Bushfire robs farmers of their livelihood

Adaklu Kodzobi (V/R), Jan. 22, GNA - Bushfire stoked by strong Harmattan winds swept through a number of farms at Adaklu Kodzobi in the Adaklu-Anyigbe District, destroying barns of corn, yams and oil-palm plantations.

Madam Peace Nkutia, one of the victims who spoke to the Ghana News Agency said the fire, which started around 0900 hours last Saturday might have been started by Fulani herdsmen along the Ho-Adidome road in their attempt to get fresh grass growing for their herds of cattle. She said she and other women then on their farms saw the fire about five kilometres away on the spurs of strong Harmattan winds and it caught up with them on their farms.

Madam Nkutia said they were helpless against the sheer intensity of the fire, which destroyed everything in its trail. Mr Samuel Akpa, whose ten-acre oil-palm plantation was destroyed by the fire appealed to the government to curb the activities of Fulani herdsmen in the country.

Mr John Nyatsikor, Unit Committee Chairman of the community, who confirmed the incident called on the Ghana National Fire Service and the Information Services Department to intensify their education on the dangers of bush fires.

He appealed to members of the community and religious bodies to come to the aid of the victims.