Twenty community fire volunteers from Dasang and Kparaboug in the Nabdam District of the Upper East Region have completed training to help curb the growing threat of bushfires. The group—made up of both men and women—received practical skills in bushfire prevention and control aimed at reducing fire outbreaks in their communities.
The training was organised by the Forum for Natural Regeneration (FONAR) in partnership with the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), with funding support from the Awaken Trees Foundation of Austria. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen community-led fire management.
Speaking at the passing-out ceremony, FONAR Executive Director Sumaila Saaka praised the volunteers for their dedication, noting that bushfire incidents in the two communities have dropped significantly since the initiative started in 2023.
“The success of their commitment is visible for everyone to see. Over the past two years, bushfire cases in Dasang and Kparaboug have reduced markedly. Their achievements have become the envy of nearby communities,” he said.
Mr. Saaka underscored the devastating impact of bushfires across Ghana, citing research that estimates about 684,000 hectares of savannah, forest and farmlands are destroyed annually—representing roughly 25–32 percent of Ghana’s dryland area. He called for a review of Ghana’s bushfire laws to reflect modern fire management practices, noting that more than 90 percent of bushfires are deliberately started during the dry season for various reasons, including hunting, clearing land and stimulating fresh pasture for livestock.
He further thanked the chiefs and elders of the two communities for their cooperation and acknowledged the Awaken Trees Foundation for its support.
The trained fire vanguards will work closely with farmers and residents to prevent and contain fires, raise awareness on fire safety and help create buffer zones around homes and vital community assets.
Nabdam District Fire Commander ADO I Awuni Akolgo commended the volunteers for their courage and urged residents to support their work by reporting fire hazards and participating in safety drills.
District Chief Executive Francis Yenwona Tobig also applauded FONAR for the initiative and encouraged the volunteers to remain vigilant as the harmattan season heightens bushfire risks.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | David Azure | Bolgatanga
