By Eric Yaw Boakye
Atebubu, (Bono East), Feb. 18, GNA – The Divisional Officer Grade One (DO1) Major Noirinnon, the Atebubu-Amantin Municipal Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service, has inaugurated the Municipal Fire Committee to fight recurring bushfires in the area.
The inauguration held at Atebubu also coincided with the launch of the 2024/2025 Anti-bush fire campaign and outdooring of the Municipal Fire Volunteers on the theme “Effective bushfire prevention: Stakeholders’ role in ensuring a greener tomorrow”.
DO1 Noirinnon expressed concern about the rising cases of bushfires in the area, saying firefighting remained a collective responsibility and called on community members to contribute towards ensuring fire safety.
He asked the committee and the fire volunteers to collaborate and work hard to stem fire outbreaks in the local communities, saying “your inaugurations mark a crucial step in our collective fight against the devastating effects of bushfires that continue to threaten our environment, economy, and livelihoods”.
“Bushfires have, for far too long, plagued our communities, destroying farmlands, displacing families, and endangering lives.
This menace, often caused by human activities such as indiscriminate burning, careless disposal of cigarette butts, and hunting practices, can be prevented with the right knowledge, discipline, and coordinated efforts,” he stated.
DO1 Noirinnon added that “today, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that our land is protected, our people are educated, and our resources are safeguarded from this recurring threat”.
He said the GNFS was collaborating with stakeholders to increase awareness creation, educate communities, and enforce regulations that would significantly stem bushfires in the communities.
“Our firefighters have dedicated their lives to protecting our communities, but fire prevention is a shared responsibility that requires the commitment of every individual,” DO1 Noirinnon stated.
Nana Kwabena Kyere, the Adontenhene (sub-chief) of the Atebubu Traditional Area, lauded the formation of the committee and the fire volunteers, and asked them to work hard to control bushfires.
The Municipal Fire Committee comprises representatives from the Agriculture Department, Game and Wildlife Department, Forestry Department and National Disaster Management Organisation, the police and religious organisations.
GNA