Farmers cautioned about use of fire

 Farmers across the country have been urged to exercise extreme caution in the use of fire, as de­ceptive weather conditions threaten to trigger bushfire outbreaks despite recent rainfall in parts of Ghana.

Mr Thomas Kwabena Bonsu, Exec­utive Director of the Kumasi-based Fire and Bush Burning Prevention Ad­vocacy, issued the warning in a public statement responding to alerts from the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet).

He noted that while isolated rains may give the impression of reduced fire risk, the underlying heat wave and dry conditions remain dangerous­ly persistent.

“The rains we’re seeing in some areas are not enough to suppress the high temperatures and dry vegeta­tion,” Mr Bonsu cautioned. “This is a critical time for farmers to be vig­ilant. A single spark could devastate entire farms.”

According to GMet, temperatures are expected to rise sharply in the coming days, with the approaching harmattan season further intensifying the heat. The agency has advised the public to prepare for scorching con­ditions and to avoid activities that could ignite fires.

Mr Bonsu identified common bushfire triggers such as burning for land clearing, hunting, smoking, and cooking on farms.

He stressed that farmers must take GMet’s warnings seriously and adopt preventive measures to pro­tect their crops, livelihoods, and surrounding communities.

“Bushfires don’t just destroy farms—they erase years of invest­ment and threaten food security,” he said.

He also called for stronger pub­lic support for fire safety education campaigns, urging community lead­ers, media outlets, and civil society groups to help raise awareness about responsible fire use both in homes and in the bush.

The Fire and Bush Burning Preven­tion Advocacy organisation continues to work closely with GMet and other stakeholders to promote climate resilience and fire prevention across Ghana.

 From Kingsley E. Hop, Kumasi

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