Okutupong Apata Kofi V, former Paramount Chief of the Gomoa-Ajumako Traditional Area, has advised farmers, palm wine tappers, hunters and smokers to be extra careful in handling fire during this season.

He said the dry season had become severe and any mistake committed in the handling of fire could cause disaster in the communities.

The former Omanhene gave the advice when addressing food crop producers at Gomoa Darhom in the Central Region.

He advised farmers in the forest zones to build fire belts around their food, cocoa, and other cash crop farms to protect them against bushfires.

Okutupong Apata Kofi appealed to religious leaders, chiefs, and other major stakeholders in the countryside to assist in educating the public on the dangers of bushfire and its effects on the nation’s economy.