SENSITIZATION AND EDUCATION ON BUSH FIRE PREVENTION SOON—SHERRY AYITTEY

The Minister for Environment, Science and Technology Mrs. Sherry Ayittey said today in Parliament that sensitization and educational programmes will be sustained in the trans-savanna and the desertification prone districts in Ghana to help address the problem of bush fires.

She was responding to a question filed by the Member for Offinso North who sought to know what measures were being put in place to address the problem of desertification arising mainly from perennial bushfires in the Trans-Savanna areas of Ghana.

Mrs. Sherry Ayitey added that as part of the Ministry’s measures to address the menace, a continuous environmental education in communities and schools will be adopted to create awareness among the people.

She explained that the phenomenon of climate change has caused increased temperatures, floods and drought and these usually result in bush fires.

She further explained that the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology through the Environmental Protection Agency is collaborating with the Ghana National Fire Service, NADMO and Extension Services Division of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to put in place various measures to control bush fires Ghana especially in the three Northern regions.

Hon. Dominic Fobih, MP for Assin South sought to know from the Minister what measures she intends to employ in curbing bush fires caused by traditional cultural practices.

Madam Sherry Ayittey explained that as part of the Ministry’s measures employed to control fires in the country, it has set up NGOs to educate school children and the general public through radio and television programmes especially in the rural communities and also strengthen community fire fighters organizations.

She added however that all these were going to be done in collaboration with NADMO and the Ghana Fire Service and urged all Members of Parliament to assist in making this initiative successful.

Sittings continue tomorrow.