GNFS Launches 2026/27 National Anti-Bushfire Campaign as PURC Warns of Water Supply Vulnerabilities

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has officially inaugurated its 2026/27 National Anti-Bushfire Campaign in Atebubu, located in the Bono East Region, marking a strategic effort to safeguard the country’s agricultural and environmental resources. Under the theme 'Bushfire Prevention: A Collective Action for Sustainable Environmental Development and a Greener Ghana,' the initiative arrives on the heels of a remarkable 62.8% reduction in bushfire incidents recorded between 2025 and 2026. Chief Fire Officer Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong attributed this significant decline to intensive collaborative efforts between the service, local communities, and traditional authorities, emphasizing that proactive prevention remains the most effective tool against environmental degradation. The campaign is set to expand across all 16 regions of Ghana, focusing on a multi-faceted approach to fire management. Planned activities include extensive community outreach programs, the creation of strategic fire belts, and the provision of enhanced resources for local fire volunteers. During the launch, regional ministers and traditional leaders joined the GNFS in calling for public support, noting that the protection of Ghana’s natural heritage is a shared responsibility. By empowering community-level volunteers and educating the public on the dangers of uncontrolled burning, the GNFS aims to build on recent successes and further decrease the annual toll of fires on the nation’s ecosystem. While the GNFS prepares for the fire risks associated with the upcoming dry season, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has raised separate alarms regarding water security. The commission expressed concern over the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant, which serves the Cape Coast area. The facility is currently producing less than 18,000 cubic metres of water daily, a sharp drop from its estimated capacity of 30,000 cubic metres. This shortfall is largely due to technical limitations, with only one of the plant's three pumps currently operational. The PURC warned that if production levels are not restored, residents could face significant supply challenges during the harmattan period. To address these utility challenges, the PURC is engaging with the Ghana Water Company Limited to initiate dredging operations aimed at improving intake and production capacity. In addition to technical interventions, the commission is boosting its consumer engagement through a new toll-free contact center and a community service center in Agona Swedru. These focus areas mirror the broader national push for environmental and resource sustainability. Together, the GNFS fire prevention strategies and the PURC’s efforts to stabilize water production underscore a critical period of preparation as Ghana seeks to mitigate the seasonal impacts of the dry season on both its natural environment and public infrastructure.