The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has requested a collaboration with traditional authorities in the Volta Region to prevent incidents of bushfires during the dry season. 

This initiative is aimed at recording ‘zero fire’ in the region to prevent the destruction that would be caused to the environment, property and individuals. 

Addressing the Volta Region House of Chiefs, the Volta Regional Fire Commander, Assistant Fire Officer 1, Joy Ameyibor Ayim, entreated the chiefs to enlighten their subjects on the effects of fires and advise them against setting bushes on fire. 

He implored the chiefs to use all mediums available, “town hall meetings, gongong beaters, and community information centres” to intensify the campaign against bushfires.

He believes when the Chiefs assume the role of advocates, their subjects who revere them would act accordingly, leading to zero incidents of bush fires.

“In this time that there is a bit of difficulty, what we can do for them is to make sure that we protect the crops for them, and when we stop bushfires, the crops will be there”, he said.

AFO 1 Ayim, also reminded the Chiefs of the law which regulates the setting of bushes on fire and its punitive punishments. 

He advised traditional authorities to desist from intervening when the security services arrest people who would flout the law and set fire to bushes, and collaborate to weed out these recalcitrant from society.

“We want them to know that there is a law regulating bushfires, when you set a bush on fire and you are arrested there is a punitive measure against you. If you also fail to report a perpetrator, you will also be arrested and prosecuted”, he said. 

AFO 1 Ayim hinted that his outfit would launch an anti-bushfire campaign under the theme; “Prevent bush fires, save crops to prevent hunger; the role of the traditional authority”.

The chiefs lauded this gesture and assured of their cooperation towards preventing bushfire in the region.