The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has officially launched its 2026/27 National Anti-Bushfire Campaign in Atebubu, in the Bono East Region. The event, held under the theme "Bushfire Prevention: A Collective Action for Sustainable Environmental Development and a Greener Ghana," brought together stakeholders, including the Bono East Regional Minister, traditional leaders, farmers, students, security services, and the general public. The campaign aims to be nationwide, covering all 16 regions of Ghana.
The campaign includes community durbars, school outreach programs, radio sensitization, the creation of fire belts, and the establishment of rapid-response patrols. Community fire volunteers will receive improved tools and resources to enable them to act as first responders in their localities. The Chief Fire Officer of the GNFS, CFO Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, emphasized that bushfire prevention is a collective responsibility that requires every stakeholder to come together as a team.
According to CFO Sarpong, there has been a significant reduction in bushfire incidents across the country. Between January and August 2025, 631 bushfire cases were recorded, while only 235 cases were recorded within the same period in 2026. This represents a 62.8 percent reduction, attributed to strong collaborative work by all stakeholders. The Bono East Regional Minister, Hon. Francis Owusu Antwi, emphasized the dire consequences of bushfires, including their ability to weaken the human environment.
Hon. Francis Owusu Antwi reaffirmed the government's full commitment to environmental protection through various policies, including the restoration of degraded lands. "A greener Ghana is essential, and we must all work to help achieve that," he stated. The Omanhene of the Atebubu Traditional Area, Ohempon Dr. Yeboah Asiamah, thanked the authorities for their efforts and pledged that Nananom would continue to contribute their quota towards the success of the campaign.
Ohempon Dr. Yeboah Asiamah cautioned the public against actions that deliberately cause bushfires, noting that culprits should be punished to serve as a deterrent to others. Stakeholders at the event appealed to the public and corporate organizations for logistical support and protective gear to assist firefighters in their work. The launch in Atebubu signals the beginning of a nationwide push to reduce bushfires, protect farmlands, and preserve Ghana's natural environment for future generations.
The event was attended by dignitaries, including the Omanhene of the Dwan Traditional Area, Okoforbour Awase Afura III, and the President of the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs and Bassamanhene, Nana Owusu Ansah. The Municipal Chief Executive for Atebubu, Masaudu Thomas Ayaaba, was also present. The GNFS aims to engage all stakeholders in the fight against bushfires and promote a culture of environmental sustainability.
The 2026/27 National Anti-Bushfire Campaign is a collaborative effort to protect Ghana's environment and promote sustainable development. The campaign's success will depend on the collective efforts of all stakeholders, including government agencies, traditional leaders, farmers, and the general public. By working together, Ghana can reduce the incidence of bushfires and create a greener, more sustainable future.
Key points
- The GNFS has recorded a 62.8 percent reduction in bushfire cases between January and August 2026, compared to the same period in 2025.
