Ghana launches campaign against bushfires — MyJoyOnline

Ghana’s Fire Service has officially launched a national campaign to prevent bushfires in the town of Atebubu in the Bono East Region. The 2026/27 campaign will cover all 16 regions of the country and aims to protect the environment and agricultural land.

As MyJoyOnline reports, the event was held under a slogan calling for joint action to prevent fires, ensure environmental sustainability and create a “greener Ghana.” It was attended by Bono East Regional Minister Francis Owusu Antwi, traditional leaders, farmers, students, security personnel and local residents.

Decrease in the number of fires

Chief Fire Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong reported a significant decrease in the number of bushfires in the country. According to her, 631 such cases were recorded from January to August 2025, compared with 235 during the same period in 2026.

This represents a 62.8% reduction. The head of the service attributed the result to the joint work of all stakeholders and stressed that preventing bushfires is a shared responsibility.

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Campaign measures

The campaign plans to hold community meetings, awareness events in schools and radio broadcasts. It also provides for the creation of firebreaks and rapid-response patrols.

Local fire volunteers are to be provided with better tools and resources so they can be the first to respond to fires in their communities. Event participants also appealed to the public and companies to support firefighters with equipment and protective gear.

Francis Owusu Antwi stated that the Ghanaian government supports environmental protection, including through the restoration of degraded land. The traditional ruler of the Atebubu area, Ohempon Dr. Yeboah Asiamah, called for people who deliberately cause bushfires to be punished in order to deter such actions.