Fire Service Launches Bushfire Campaign

19 Pick-Ups, 2 Command vehicles and 1 Bush Fire Rapid Intervention vehicle were presented to Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) at the launch of the Ghana fire service (GNFS) Busgfire prevention campaign.

The Pick-Ups and the Command vehicles were handed over by the Government of Ghana for GNFS operational duties while Fire Aid UK and International Development Team donated a Rapid Intervention Vehicle.

The vehicle, specially designed to suit Ghana’s needs, will be used to fight bushfires and ensure the safety of farmlands and vegetation.

In his key note speech, the Minister of Interior Hon. Henry Quartey who launched the campaign on the theme “Effective Bush Fire Prevention; Stakeholders’ Role in Ensuring a Greener Tomorrow’ urged them to put the vehicles to good use.

He urged the GNFS not to rest on its laurels but continue to do more of public education and sensitisation to prevent fire outbreaks.

Hon. Quartey assured the GNFS of the government’s commitment to improve the service.

The campaign aims to raise awareness about the causes and effects of bushfires, which have resulted in food shortages, reduced foreign exchange earnings and the extinction of important animal and plant species.

The Minister noted that the campaign seeks to educate the public, particularly farmers, herdsmen, palm wine tappers and game hunters, on the devastating effects of bushfires. He highlighted that the common causes of bushfires include cooking on farms, game hunting, unguarded palm wine tapping, dropping cigarette butts, and clearing farmlands with fire. These human actions and inactions have caused significant losses to the country, including food shortages and reduced foreign exchange earnings.

Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Julius Kunoor stated that the GNFS has trained over 6,000 fire volunteers to assist in managing bushfires in the communities. He added that the fire volunteers play a crucial role in preventing and responding to wildfires, which threatens Ghana’s forests.He added that the vehicles and equipment would give further impetus to the service’s effort at enhancing both technical and operational performance.
On recruitment, he said although there had been shortfalls in the recruitment of females into the service, management had put in place measures to enhance gender equality by empowering more women to aspire to leadership positions.

Mr. Kunoor promised to take good care of the equipment and put them to good use.

source frank owusu obimpeh