Disaster Risk Reduction: Fire Service launches campaign to curb increasing bushfires

As part of the Ghana National Fire Service’s (GNFS) quest for Disaster Risk Reduction, the institution has launched its 2024–2025 campaign to combat the increasing bushfires in the country.

The campaign, dubbed “Bush Fire Prevention Campaign,” is themed “Effective Bushfire Prevention: Stakeholders’ Role in Ensuring a Greener Tomorrow.”

Bushfire cases have risen significantly, with the country recording 658 incidents as of October 2024, compared to 569 cases in 2023.

According to the GNFS, 99% of these fires are caused by human activities, including arson (often motivated by unpaid loans or revenge) and palm wine tapping, particularly in the northern part of the country. Only a small percentage of the fires are due to natural causes.

Ghana, along with other members of the United Nations, has adopted the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which aims to reduce disaster losses and ensure that capacity development programs in disaster risk reduction strengthen resilience.

Speaking at the launch of the 2024–2025 bushfire campaign, Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Julius A. Kuunuor emphasized the need for stakeholders, community leaders, farmers, and others to show unwavering commitment to curb bushfires and safeguard the future.

The event also included the handover of a Wildfire Rapid Intervention Vehicle, specially designed for Ghana’s bushfire response, by FIRE AID and International Development UK. Additional extrication tools and firefighting equipment worth £113,000 are awaiting clearance at the Tema Port, also provided by FIRE AID.

Minister for the Interior and Member of Parliament for Ayawaso Central, Hon. Henry Quartey, represented the government at the event and donated 19 pickup vehicles, four command vehicles, three Prado SUVs, and one Land Cruiser.

Below is a summary of the 2022, 2023, and 2024 comparative bushfire statistics from January to October: