2026/27 national bushfire prevention campaign launched

The Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the fight against bushfires through the provision of equipment and capacity-building support for the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).

He made the commitment during the launch of the 2026/2027 National Bushfire Prevention Campaign at the Atebubu Durbar Grounds in the Bono East Region.

The campaign, which marks the beginning of intensified nationwide public education and enforcement activities ahead of the dry season, is being held on the theme: “Bushfire Prevention: A collective action for sustainable environmental development and a greener Ghana.”

The Minister’s speech was delivered on his behalf by the Bono East Regional Minister, Mr Francis Owusu Antwi.

Alhaji Mubarak said the national campaign renewed the country’s commitment to protecting the environment and safeguarding the livelihoods of Ghanaians.

He noted that bushfires over the years had destroyed farmlands, economic trees, forest reserves, property and water bodies, while also threatening food security and biodiversity.

He stressed that protecting the environment required the collective efforts of government agencies, communities and individuals.

“We must all become active partners in bushfire prevention. Environmental protection is not for GNFS alone, nor for the Forestry Commission alone, nor for EPA alone. It is a shared responsibility for every Ghanaian,” he stated.

The Minister linked bushfires to climate change, land degradation and rural poverty, warning that the country’s sustainable development objectives would be difficult to achieve if the annual destruction caused by bushfires continued.

“When we allow bushfires to burn our grasslands and destroy our cashew farms, yam farms and forest reserves, we are not only polluting the air, we are destroying our food systems, we are destroying our water bodies, and we are destroying our future,” he said.

He said the government’s “Greener Ghana” agenda was focused on environmental protection, restoring degraded lands and protecting water bodies from siltation and drying up.

According to him, effective bushfire prevention was critical to sustaining tree-planting and afforestation programmes, which could otherwise be undermined by annual fires.

Alhaji Mubarak acknowledged the operational challenges facing the GNFS and assured the Service of continued government support through the provision of equipment and training.

“We are aware of your needs - fire tenders, personal protective equipment, rapid response vehicles, communication gadgets and training. Government will continue to support you with equipment and capacity-building programmes to enable you to deliver on your mandate,” he assured.

He commended personnel of the GNFS for their dedication and sacrifice, noting that their work required national recognition and support.

“These are officers who risk their lives to save lives and property. They deserve our support and encouragement, not only in words but also in action,” the Minister added.

He directed Regional Fire Commands to organise their respective anti-bushfire campaign launches following the national event to ensure that the prevention message reaches districts and communities across the country.

GNFS commitment
The Chief Fire Officer, Madam Daniella Mawusi Ntow-Sapong, called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to make the campaign successful.

She said the GNFS remained committed to providing an efficient fire and rescue service in line with its statutory mandate under Act 537.

“This will be achieved through appropriate resourcing in terms of equipment, appliances, and premises and by effectively training personnel.

“We are confident that we can maintain and improve public safety from fire and other emergencies, thereby protecting the people, industry, crops and vegetation.”

CFO Sapong reiterated the Service’s commitment to preventing and managing unwanted fires, reducing deaths and property losses through the enforcement of fire safety measures and rapid response to emergencies.

Role of traditional authorities
The President of the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs and chairman of the event, Nana Owusu Sakyi III, highlighted the impact of bushfires on climate change.

He expressed concern about human activities that contribute to bushfires, including indiscriminate burning, hunting with fire and inappropriate farming practices.

The national campaign was officially launched by Mr Francis Owusu Antwi on behalf of the Interior Minister and the Government of Ghana.

The programme included a drama depicting the devastating impact of bushfires on farming communities, as well as the presentation of awards to outstanding Fire Volunteers and fire stations.

The GNFS also recognised the contributions of the National Insurance Commission, Forestry Commission, Zonda Tec Ghana Limited, Crocodile Company, Tropenbos Ghana and Glico Life to the bushfire prevention campaign.

The launch was attended by senior GNFS officials, including Deputy Chief Fire Officers James Oheneba Yaw Kwateng, Frederick Ohemeng and Jerry Harding-Bruce, alongside regional fire commanders, traditional leaders, security agencies, religious leaders, farmers, students, Fire Volunteers and market women.