As part of efforts to reduce the incidence of bushfires within the Asutifi North District, the District Volunteer Groups (DVGs), under the supervision of the Asutifi North District Assembly and in collaboration with the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), organized a one-day firefighting training session on Monday, 3rd March 2025. The activity formed a core component of the district’s annual Anti-Bush Fire Campaign, aimed at strengthening community resilience and improving response mechanisms during the 2024/2025 dry season.
The key objectives of the training were to: Equip DVG members with practical firefighting skills, Improve knowledge of fire prevention, early detection, and reporting, Promote safe community practices to reduce the frequency of bushfires, Build collaboration between the Assembly, community volunteers, and GNFS.
The training brought together 56 DVG volunteers drawn from various communities across the district, officials from the Ghana National Fire Service (Goaso Command), representatives from the District NADMO Office, and selected staff of the Asutifi North District Assembly, including the Planning and Environmental Health Units.
The District Coordinating Director, on behalf of the District Chief Executive, welcomed participants and emphasized the devastating impact of bushfires on farmlands, water bodies, and property. He commended the DVGs for their commitment to safeguarding their communities and urged them to apply the training in their daily operations.
Officers from the Ghana National Fire Service delivered a detailed presentation covering: Causes and common triggers of bushfires in rural communities, Fire behavior, stages, and spread patterns, Fire prevention strategies, Safe use of open flames, lanterns, and farm tools, Legal implications of bushfire offenses under the Bushfire Act.
The firefighting training for DVGs held on 3rd March 2025 was successful and provided essential knowledge and practical skills necessary for effective bushfire prevention and suppression within the Asutifi North District. The Assembly, in partnership with GNFS and NADMO, is committed to sustaining these efforts to protect lives, property, and the environment.