Bono East Minister leads call for collective action against bushfiresThe Bono East Regional Minister, Hon. Francis Owusu Antwi, has called for a collective effort among traditional authorities, farmers, Municipal and District Assemblies, youth groups, businesses and the general public to help prevent bushfires in the region.
He made the call at Atebubu during the national launch of the 2026 Bushfire Prevention Campaign, held under the theme, “Collective Action for Sustainable Environmental Development and a Greener Ghana.”
The Regional Minister stressed that bushfire prevention should not be left to the Ghana National Fire Service alone, saying it requires the active commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders.
He further urged Municipal and District Assemblies to strengthen their Anti-Bushfire Committees and Fire Volunteer Squads to improve prevention efforts and ensure prompt responses to bushfire outbreaks across the region.
Representing the Ghana National Fire Service Headquarters in Accra, Chief Fire Officer Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong called on traditional authorities to support the enforcement of traditional by-laws against indiscriminate bush burning.
She also appealed to farmers and other land users to adopt safer, fire-free methods of land preparation to minimise the risk of bushfires and protect farms, forests and other natural resources.
Adding his voice to the campaign, Nana Owusu Sakyi III, Omanhene of the Basa Traditional Area and President of the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs, encouraged residents to promptly report bushfire incidents and persons suspected of deliberately setting fires to the appropriate authorities.
He said timely reporting would help the relevant agencies respond quickly to bushfire outbreaks and support efforts to curb the menace across the region.
The campaign is expected to strengthen public awareness and stakeholder cooperation in protecting the environment and reducing the incidence and impact of bushfires in the Bono East Region.
Story by Faustina Mensah
