Ghana's Interior Minister, Muntaka Mubarak, has called on traditional authorities to take a proactive role in preventing bushfire outbreaks during the 2026/2027 season. He emphasized that preventing bushfires is a collective responsibility and encouraged traditional authorities to enact and strictly enforce anti-bushfire bye-laws in their respective communities. This call was made in a speech read on his behalf by the Bono East Regional Minister, Francis Owusu Antwi, at the launch of the 2026/2027 National Bushfire Prevention Campaign.
The 2026/2027 National Bushfire Prevention Campaign was launched at Atebubu in the Bono East Region, with the theme: “Bushfire Prevention: A Collective Action for Sustainable Environmental Development and Greener Ghana.” The Minister directed the various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to strengthen their anti-bushfire committees and fire volunteer groups. This move aims to enhance the country's preparedness and response to bushfire outbreaks. The campaign seeks to bring together stakeholders to prevent bushfires and promote sustainable environmental development.
The Minister emphasized that the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of fighting bushfires. He stressed that collective efforts are required from farmers, hunters, youth groups, and the general public to prevent bushfire outbreaks. Farmers were particularly advised to exercise caution when handling naked fire while preparing their farms for planting. This advice is crucial, given the significant role farmers play in preventing bushfires, especially during the dry season.
The Chief Fire Officer (CFO) of the GNFS, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, who launched the campaign, also called for a collaborative approach to preventing bushfires. She emphasized that the GNFS requires support from the security services, the media, traditional authorities, and the general public to control bushfire outbreaks in the country. CFO Ntow Sarpong noted that although fire outbreaks nationwide had decreased in 2026, there was still a need for concerted efforts to minimize the occurrences.
According to CFO Ntow Sarpong, the GNFS recorded 631 fire outbreaks across the country from January to August 2025, which reduced to 235 during the same period in 2026. She commended personnel of the GNFS and fire volunteers for their dedication to fighting fire outbreaks across the country. The reduction in fire outbreaks is a positive trend, but stakeholders acknowledge that more needs to be done to prevent bushfires.
CFO Ntow Sarpong also expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama and Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak for their contributions towards resourcing the GNFS to deliver on its mandate. Their support has enabled the GNFS to enhance its capacity to respond to fire emergencies. The GNFS continues to play a critical role in preventing and managing fire outbreaks in Ghana.
Nana Owusu Sakyi III, Paramount Chief of the Bassa Traditional Area and President of the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs, advised everyone, particularly farmers and agribusiness enterprises, to support the GNFS in preventing bushfires. He emphasized the importance of collective action in preventing bushfire outbreaks and promoting sustainable environmental development. The campaign is expected to receive support from various stakeholders, including traditional authorities, to achieve its objectives.
Key points
- The Interior Minister, Muntaka Mubarak, has called on traditional authorities to enact and enforce anti-bushfire bye-laws to prevent outbreaks during the 2026/2027 season.
- The 2026/2027 National Bushfire Prevention Campaign aims to promote collective action for sustainable environmental development and a greener Ghana.
- The Ghana National Fire Service recorded 235 fire outbreaks from January to August 2026, down from 631 during the same period in 2025.
