Stop indiscriminate bush burning

 One of the biggest haz­ards to the environment is indiscriminate bush burning, which has detri­mental consequences on the ecosystem, destroying homes, and agricultural land.

In addition, the quantity of smoke in the air might lead to respiratory disorders and other health concerns.

According to a report from our regional correspondent, young people in Ghana’s Northern Region are increas­ingly burning indiscriminately through the bush in pursuit of rodents, especially during the harmattan season.

According to the report, the majority of these youths light grasses on fire in an attempt to locate and chase after rodents.

However, in the process, the fire gets out of control, destroying nearby buildings and commodities. Due to this improper behaviour in the area during the dry season, the majority of people have lost their farms and other belongings.

The issue is becoming increasingly worrying, partic­ularly in light of the govern­ment’s actions but its seem­ing inability to find long-term solutions.

The Northern Regional Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Manager, Mr. Abu Iddrisu, claims that despite his organisation’s efforts to raise community awareness of the dangers of bush burn­ing through radio and occa­sionally television, the locals continue to disregard the advisories.

The Spectator expresses worry over this practice and calls on the government to outlaw it in order to protect people, property, and the environment.

We completely agree with Mr. Iddrisu’s request that the government bring legal action against those who break the law in order to discourage others from doing the same.

Additionally, funding is required for the Ghana Na­tional Fire Service (GNFS) to educate the public about the risks associated with careless bush burning in the many vil­lages within their purview.

Farmers should get bushfire management training from the EPA in cooperation with the National Disaster Manage­ment Organisation (NADMO) and other stakeholders in order to contain bushfires.

To prevent careless bush burning, especially during current harmattan season, all hands must be on deck in order to protect people and property.