Nkoranza (B/A), Jan. 20, GNA - Residents of Nkoranza have expressed concern about the rate at which bushfires have started in the area and called on personnel of the Fire Service and the National Disaster Management Organisation to adopt measures to curb the trend. Mr Emmanuel Twumasi, a former financial secretary of Nkoranzaman Students Union and Youth spokesman told the Ghana News Agency that the bushfires were caused by groups of hunters from Techiman Municipality who operated in Nkoranza area. "Such negative practice of the youth from Techiman has persisted for some years now and we are reliably informed that the youth are from Techiman Zongo", he added.

The youth spokesman said communities including Asuosu, Mpem, Jerusalem, Nyinase, Dandwa, Akropong and Brahoho in Nkoranza South District had been subjected to the practice leading to the mass destruction of farms and personal properties. Mr Twumasi named other communities that had suffered from the group hunting as Busunya, Pinihe, Yefre, Bodom, Dromankese and Kranka. "It is unfortunate that the youth of Techiman have not heeded to advice and warnings and we call on the traditional authorities, assembly members and unit committees to organise the people to stand up against the practice," he added.

The youth spokesman appealed to Nkoranza North and South District Assemblies to impress on their counterparts in Techiman to advise their youth against the practice to avoid any clashes. Mr Twumasi appealed to officials of the Nkoranza District Anti-Bushfire Task Force to "wake up from their slumber" and visit the communities to sensitise the people on the causes and effects of bushfires to save lives and property. He advised palm wine tappers to be careful with their handling of naked fire at their work places.