Rights and Advocacy Initiatives Network (RAIN) in collaboration with ClientEarth supported the Ghana National Fire Service to train and inaugurate Fire Volunteers in the Atwima Mponua District. This is to promote inclusive governance by involving community actors in the prevention, and control of fires.

At the inauguration ceremony held at Antwi Adjei Krom, RAIN supported the volunteers with cutlasses and other personal protective equipment (PPE) such as boots, and clothing for effective dispatch of their duties. Through a simulation exercise, volunteers from Antwi Adjei Krom and Akota demonstrated their readiness to put out bushfires.

Some key participants that graced the occasion included; Hon. Isaac Kofi Marfo (District Chief Executive), Mr. Rashid Kwame Nasaawu (Assistant Regional Fire Officer), Otuo Acheampong Rhabi (NADMO), DO 2 Winifred Commander), ADO I 2IC Mr. Bondziedu Simon, Mr. Obama Antwi (Assembly member for Antwi Agyei Krom) and Mr. Calito (Assembly member for Akota), Chiefs, opinion leaders.

The Assistant Regional Fire Officer, Mr. Nasaawu thanked the team from RAIN for their proactive approach. He stressed on the harmful impacts of fire set by irresponsible farmers and hunters and hence the need to train volunteers on fire management and prevention. He assured the group of their legal backing and thus have the mandate to report any person who uses fire inappropriately.

The District Chief Executive expressed gratitude for the joint endeavors to revive volunteerism in the district, citing his own experience of losing nearly 40 acres of cocoa farm to bush fires in 2015. He then pleaded with the volunteers to work wholeheartedly to lessen the threat of bushfire in the district to ensure the safety of the communities and preserve natural resources.