Accra: Tropenbos Ghana, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), with support from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has engaged major stakeholders under the Fire Resilient Landscape programme in Ghana to deliberate on how best to prevent and manage fire outbreaks especially in forest reserves.
According to Ghana News Agency, the engagement, themed 'Achieving Inclusive Fire/Wildfire Management in Ghana,' brought together officials from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Cocoa Health and Extension Division, Forestry Service Division, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), traditional authorities, Physical Planning officers, and district assembly representatives.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Philip Kudzo Amagnoh of the GNFS, after the engagement, mentioned that firefighting was a shared responsibility and that everyone must get involved to counter the effects of fire outbreaks, particularly within forest reserves. He urged Ghanaians to adhere to the rules and regulations governing the protection of the forest to help safeguard the country's food security. He highlighted that the GNFS had deployed fire volunteers in every district within the Western North Region and advised residents to engage them whenever they intended to burn their farmlands, to help reduce fire outbreaks, especially within forest areas.
ACFO Amagnoh also assured of their continued education for the volunteers on best practices in firefighting. He emphasized the importance of considering not only economic gains but also the interest of all in protecting the forest for future generations.
Mr Joseph Asante, the Programme Manager at Tropenbos Ghana, called on everyone to take forest protection seriously. He expressed hope that the engagement would help protect forest reserves from fire outbreaks. He also advised Ghanaians to ensure measures are in place at all levels to prevent fire outbreaks, thereby safeguarding lives and properties.
Nana Kwasi Gyabeng II, the Chief of Denkyemoasuo, who chaired the engagement, encouraged traditional rulers to take active roles in firefighting. Some participants, in an interview with the GNA, praised the engagement and pledged their commitment to educate others within their communities. They also urged religious and traditional leaders to consistently educate their members on the need to be fire-conscious, so the message reaches more people and achieves the desired outcomes.