Ing. Christopher Apawu, the District Manager for the Krobo District of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) Limited, has appealed to the public, especially farmers, to exercise extreme caution during land preparation for the planting season. This plea comes as the harmattan season heightens the risk of fire outbreaks.
Speaking to a cross-section of media personnel on January 3, 2025, Ing. Apawu noted that bush burning during the dry season has been a recurring issue. “Between 2023 and 2024, we lost several utility poles to uncontrolled bush fires.
Fortunately, this harmattan season, from 2024 to 2025, has not recorded any incidents so far. However, as farmers prepare their lands for the new planting season, it is critical to ensure responsible practices to prevent such losses,” he stated.
Ing. Apawu emphasized the importance of community vigilance, urging individuals to intervene when they observe unsafe practices. “We must be each other’s keepers. If you see someone preparing to burn their farmland without creating proper firebreaks around electricity poles, transformers, or neighboring properties, take the initiative to educate them.
This simple act can save lives, prevent property damage, and protect critical infrastructure.”
He outlined steps farmers and other individuals can take to ensure responsible bush burning:
Create Firebreaks: Clear boundaries around the area to prevent the fire from spreading.
Supervise Burning: Stay close to the fire with tools like water or sand to extinguish flames if they spread unintentionally.
Emergency Preparedness: Have the Fire Service’s contact readily available and report any fire emergencies immediately.
Practice Caution: Smokers, hunters, and those cooking on farms must ensure their fires are fully extinguished after use.
Crackdown on Illegal Electrical Tampering
In addition to fire safety, Ing. Apawu expressed concern about individuals tampering with ECG’s distribution network.
He condemned acts such as illegal phase changes or unauthorized connections, warning that these could lead to fatal electrocutions and severe consequences for public safety.
“This behavior poses a significant danger to the individuals involved and compromises the safety of the entire community.
Such unlawful actions will not be tolerated, and offenders will face prosecution when caught,” he cautioned, call to Action.
The ECG Krobo District Manager concluded with an appeal for collective responsibility, urging all Ghanaians to prioritize safety during the harmattan season. By practicing responsible bush burning and respecting the integrity of the electricity distribution network, communities can avoid preventable tragedies and protect essential resources.
Story by: Emmanuel Asiedu Agyare (Onokwafo Yaw Asiedu)/ Ahotoronline.com
@onokwafoasiedu
