GNFS, stakeholders whip-up enthusiasm towards 2025 National Bushfire Prevention Campaign launch

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), working together with the National Stakeholders Planning Committee, has rolled out modalities for the national, regional and district launch of the 2025/2026 National Bushfire Prevention Campaign.

The 2025/2026 National Bushfire Prevention Campaign is on the general theme: “Bushfire Prevention – The role of stakeholders in restoring Ghana’s natural environment through sustainable practices.”

The 2025 National Bushfire Prevention Campaign Stakeholders Planning Committee includes the Ministry of Land and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Education, and the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult).

Others are the National Insurance Commission, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Ghana Forestry Commission, Ghana Cocoa Board, Ghana Meteorological Department, and Tropenbos Ghana.

At its inaugural meeting at GNFS Headquarters in Accra, the 2025 National Bushfire Prevention Campaign Stakeholders Planning Committee called on corporate Ghana to support this year's campaign with logistics and financial resources.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) Heroine S. Boakye, who represented the Acting Chief Officer, explained that the 2025/2026 theme addresses the critical issue of bushfire prevention.

She said it's essential to recognise the pivotal role stakeholders play in restoring and preserving Ghana's natural environment, stressing that bushfires have devastating effects on biodiversity, ecosystems, and communities, underscoring the need for collective action and sustainable practices.

DCFO Boakye identified critical stakeholders as government agencies, local communities, civil society organisations, the private sector, the corporate world, religious and traditional leaders, and the general public.

Speaking on sustainable practices for bushfire prevention, ACFO Edwin T. Nartey, who doubles as the Acting Chairman of the 2025 National Bushfire Prevention Campaign Stakeholders Planning Committee, called for the implementation of controlled burning practices to reduce fuel loads and prevent uncontrolled fires.

He also encouraged the planting of trees and restoration of degraded lands to enhance ecosystem resilience and stressed enhanced community education about the dangers of bushfires and promotion of fire-safe practices.

ACFO Nartey appealed to communities to develop and utilise early warning systems to detect and respond to bushfires promptly.

Mr Francis Ameyibor, CDA Consult Executive Director, who is a member of the stakeholders, called for collaboration and appealed to all to take proactive steps in bushfire prevention and sustainable land management.

“Together, we can restore Ghana's natural environment and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

“Bushfire prevention requires a collective effort. Let us work together, and by adopting sustainable practices, we can protect Ghana's natural resources and promote environmental sustainability,” Mr Ameyibor stated.

Mr Ameyibor revealed that from next week members of the 2025 National Bushfire Prevention Campaign Stakeholders Planning Committee will be knocking at doors of both state and non-state institutions to solicit for support.

“Don’t close your doors when you see the GNFS and stakeholders calling on you for support; we need resources towards a national holistic campaign,” he said and also urged the corporate world to call the GNFS headquarters for any further discussion on how to support the campaign.

Mr Ameyibor also reiterated that stakeholders’ involvement in the fight against bushfires is critical and appealed to the media, especially, to support the fight against unwarranted bushfires across the country.

“We all have a collective responsibility to protect our national heritage. Bushfires are worse forms of attacks on nature induced by human beings and destroy all forms of creation: climate, forests, wildlife, river bodies, agricultural lands, and sometimes lives and properties,” the CDA Consult Executive Director stated.

“We need all stakeholders on board, especially the media, traditional rulers, and religious leaders, to join forces with the GNFS to daily broadcast messages to educate the public,” he stated.

Mr Ameyibor said the planning committee is appealing to the media to consider the fight against bushfires as a national duty and carry out specific advocacy programmes on both radio and television to support GNFS.

GNFS doors are open wide for support. You can donate at the national, regional, and district offices of the GNFS or call, and we will pick up the items. Cheques should be written in the name of the Ghana National Fire Service.