The Bono East Regional Minister, Francis Owusu Antwi, has urged traditional authorities, farmers, and the general public to join forces to prevent bushfires in the region. He made the call at Atebubu during the national launch of the 2026 Bushfire Prevention Campaign. The campaign's theme, "Collective Action for Sustainable Environmental Development and a Greener Ghana," emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach to addressing the issue.
Minister Owusu Antwi stressed that bushfire prevention should not be left solely to the Ghana National Fire Service. He encouraged Municipal and District Assemblies to strengthen their Anti-Bushfire Committees and Fire Volunteer Squads to improve prevention efforts and respond promptly to bushfire outbreaks. This, he believes, will help reduce the incidence and impact of bushfires in the Bono East Region.
Chief Fire Officer Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, representing the Ghana National Fire Service Headquarters in Accra, also appealed for support in enforcing traditional by-laws against indiscriminate bush burning. She encouraged farmers and other land users to adopt safer, fire-free methods of land preparation to minimize the risk of bushfires and protect natural resources.
Nana Owusu Sakyi III, Omanhene of the Basa Traditional Area and President of the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs, urged residents to report bushfire incidents and suspected perpetrators to the authorities promptly. He believes that timely reporting will enable relevant agencies to respond quickly to bushfire outbreaks and curb the menace.
The 2026 Bushfire Prevention Campaign aims to strengthen public awareness and stakeholder cooperation in protecting the environment. The campaign is expected to reduce the incidence and impact of bushfires in the Bono East Region. By working together, stakeholders hope to promote sustainable environmental development and create a greener Ghana.
The Regional Minister's call for collective action has been echoed by various stakeholders, including traditional authorities, farmers, and youth groups. They recognize the importance of collaboration in preventing bushfires and protecting the region's natural resources. The campaign has generated significant interest and support from the public, with many expressing their commitment to the cause.
The Bono East Region has been plagued by bushfires in recent years, resulting in significant environmental and economic losses. The 2026 Bushfire Prevention Campaign offers a renewed opportunity for stakeholders to come together and address this critical issue. By adopting a collective approach, the region hopes to reduce the risk of bushfires and promote sustainable environmental development.
Key points
- Bono East Regional Minister calls for collective effort to prevent bushfires
- Stakeholders urged to support enforcement of traditional by-laws against indiscriminate bush burning
- Campaign aims to strengthen public awareness and stakeholder cooperation in protecting the environment
