The Jaman North District Director of the Department of Agriculture, Victor Yao-Dablu, has reiterated the need for Ghanaians to protect the country's forest reserves and farmlands against bushfires.

According to him, bushfires have become an annual ritual during the harmattan season, causing havoc to large tracks of forest and farmlands, destroying crops, human lives and animal species.

He said the destruction of the forest cover and cashew plantations, the main economic livelihood for the people of Jaman North, is worrying.

‘‘Many farmlands have lost their fertility due to the perennial bushfires, whilst herbs and plant medicines have also been destroyed by bushfires and indiscriminate tree felling,’’ he stated.

Speaking to JoyNews, Mr Yao-Dablu advised everyone to plant trees to replenish the degraded forests. 

He explained that bushfires could cause multiple direct impacts on life, property and the survival of flora and fauna. 

"The devastating impacts of bushfires on plants, animals and the ecosystem cannot be over-emphasised. That is why the issue demands a national approach to reduce the effects on nation building," he noted.

The Jaman North District Director of the Department of Agriculture advised farmers, cigarette smokers, hunters and palm wine tappers to ensure prudent handling of fire to avoid the rampant outbreak of bushfires.

He further called on chiefs, unit committees, area, town, urban council and district assembly members to collaborate with the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to educate the public on the dangers of bushfires and how to prevent the occurrence.

Mr Yao-Dablu added, "The harmattan has increased its intensity, adding that this is time Ghanaians must handle fire with great care, particularly our farmers, hunters and palm wine tappers as well as smokers.

‘‘To the public, particularly the people of Jaman North, let us all be cautious in handling fire and help in the prevention of bushfires and to ensure the safety of lives and property during this harmattan season since fire is a good servant, but a bad master," he stressed.