By Benjamin Asomah
Jinjini (Bono) Jan 13, GNA-The Berekum West District Fire volunteers have launched an anti-bush fire campaign in the district ahead of the dry season.
The programme aimed to sensitize the community on the dangers of bush fires and promote collective action to prevent them.
Nana Baffour Tutu Asare, Jinijini chief and Chairman of the occasion for the launched of the programme commended the fire volunteers for their efforts, through his 39 years of experience as a cocoa farmer and recalled the devastating impact of the 1983 bush fire on cocoa farms in the area.
Nana Asare announced plans to introduce a levy on cocoa farmers to support the fire volunteers’ work to acknowledge their selfless service.
Mr. Dickson Kyere- Duah, Member of Parliament for Berekum West, highlighted the impact of the 1983 disaster on cocoa farmers, noting that the district had not recorded significant bush fires in the past decade, leading to improved cocoa yields.
He praised the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Ghana Forestry Commission, Cocoa Board and fire volunteers for their efforts by announcing a donation of a brand-new pick-up to boost the Volunteers’ operations in the area.
Deputy Officer (DO) 11 John Essel, from the Bono Regional office of the (GNFS), emphasized the importance of protecting the environment and livelihoods, saying “the land is life” and urged chiefs and farmers to support the anti-bush fire campaign.
He said the campaign would help in preventing bush fires and promoting sustainable land use practices.
The initiative is expected to reduce the risk of bush fires, protect the environment, and support the livelihoods of farmers in the district, He added.
The Berekum West District Fire Volunteers are calling on all stakeholders to join the campaign and work together to prevent bush fires.
GNA
Edited by Regina Benneh