Central Region anti-bush fire campaign launched at Breman Asikuma

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District, Mrs Georgina Nkrumah Aboah has urged chiefs to help in the fight against bush fires.

The DCE said most bush fires in the rural areas are caused by palm wine tapers, smokers, hunters and farmers and this makes the role of traditional rulers crucial as custodians of the lands.

She said chiefs as lawmakers of the local communities, as well as law enforcers must play an important role towards bush fire prevention.

Madam Aboah gave the advice at the launch of the Central Regional Anti-Bush Fire Prevention Campaign at Breman Asikuma.

It was under the theme “Sustaining Bush Fire Prevention at the Community Level, the Role of Traditional Authorities”.

She said the effect of bush fires on lives and properties is very severe, and could lead to hunger and poverty.

The DCE said the ’slash and burn’ method of farming is the most common in the Central Region and appealed to farmers to ensure that fire belts are created when undertaking farming activities.

Mr Kwesi Ankomah Quayson, Central Regional Fire Service Commander, said fire outbreaks in the country were becoming a canker, which needs a collective approach to address.

He urged the people to change their attitude towards the environment, by observing fire safety rules to help prevent outbreaks of man-made fire disasters.

A thirty-five-member fire fighting volunteers from Breman Nkontanase was inaugurated at the function.

They were given certificates, Wellington boots and cutlasses for their operations.

Nana Afful Nyankwen, Kontihene of Breman Traditional Area, who chaired the programme on behalf of the Paramount Chief of the area, Odeefo Amoakwa Buadu VIII, appealed to the government to provide a fire tender for the district Fire Station to facilitate their work.

He urged the newly trained fire volunteers to discharge their duties in accordance with the rules and regulations of the National Fire Service.

Source: GNA