Atebubu: Bushfires have devastated several acres of farmlands in the Atebubu/Amantin Municipality of the Bono East Region, severely affecting the socio-economic livelihoods of farmers. Mr Kwasi Lampo, Bono East Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), reported that the fires occurred in early January and resulted in the destruction of crops valued at about GHS37,000. The maize farms in Paprabom Kura, Atebubu-Muruchusu, and Congo farming communities were the worst affected.
According to Ghana News Agency, during a visit to assess the extent of the destruction, Mr Lampo highlighted the increasing threat of bushfires in the area and urged residents to exercise caution when handling naked fires during the harmattan season. Accompanied by NADMO personnel, he also inspected ongoing construction on a mechanised borehole at Atebubu, part of NADMO's climate change project aimed at providing clean water for the community.
Mr Lampo called for the intervention of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to help prevent bushfires and protect lives and property. The Divisional Officer in Grade II, Mr Majors Nourinnom, Atebubu/Amantin Municipal Fire Officer, commended NADMO for the visit and assured that the GNFS is committed to curbing fire outbreaks in the municipality.
However, Mr Nourinnom expressed concern over growing assaults on fire personnel by some community members during fire incidents, calling for an end to such attacks. He also noted that the lack of a fire tender was hampering the Service's operations. As a major food basket in the region, the municipality continues to face significant challenges from recurring bushfires, which are leaving many farmers without livelihoods.