The Forestry Commission of Ghana took a significant step towards preserving the nation’s green heritage as it initiated an Anti-Bushfire campaign in Damongo, the capital of the Savannah Region, on Friday, January 12, 2024.
This marks the first visit of the Corporate Affairs and Media Relations Unit of the Forestry Commission to Damongo, aimed at educating communities on fire quenching techniques and bushfire prevention.
Madam Joyce Ofori, Head of Corporate Affairs and Media Relations at the forestry commission, highlighted the campaign’s primary objective: fostering discussions within Damongo and its environs on bushfire prevention.
This initiative according to her, is part of a broader nationwide plan by the Forestry Commission to raise awareness among farmers and the public in forest-rich communities regarding the prevention of bushfires.
Madam Joyce Ofori emphasized the Commission’s commitment to restoring the country’s degraded forests and mentioned ongoing projects such as the Green Ghana day, where millions of trees have been planted and the Shea Landscape Emission Project, focusing on adding shea trees to existing forest reserves.
While in the region to educate communities on bushfires, the Commission sought inputs from participants on effective bushfire prevention strategies.
The head of corporate affairs and media relations expressed satisfaction with the program’s success, noting active participation and the community’s valuable suggestions and questions.
As part of a stern reminder, madam Joyce Ofori urged caution during the dry season, emphasizing the ease with which fires can start and cause bushfires.
She underlined that causing bushfires is a serious offense in Ghana, punishable by law with fines or imprisonment upon prosecution and therefore encouraged the public to report any individuals engaged in such activities to the Forestry Commission for appropriate action.
The Anti-Bushfire campaign in Damongo signifies a crucial step towards preserving Ghana’s natural landscapes, encouraging public involvement in safeguarding the environment from the devastating effects of bushfires.
The MCE for West Gonja, Hon. Musah Karim kusubari who was present to grace the occasion also took turns to throw much light on the need to take care of the Forest reserves and called on the public to desist from Bush burning.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
