National Wildfire Policy 2006.

The National Wildfire Management Policy is based on the principle that: Land and natural resources provide the direct source of livelihoods for majority of rural population and that poverty reduction and wealth creation in the country are dependent upon effective management of wildfire for sustainable management of natural resources. Different ecological zones and natural resource management systems exist in the country, which require different wildfire management systems. Fire would continue to be used as a tool for rural land management but this must be done in a controllable and an environmentally friendly way. Wildfire management requires multi-sectoral approach and gender sensitive collaboration among stakeholders including vulnerable people. District Assemblies (DAs), Traditional Authorities (TAs), opinion leaders and local community groups including women and youth groups are important actors in wildfire management. Wildfire management activities at all levels will be carried out based on effective and efficient planning and networking.
The National Wildfire Policy seeks to promote effective and efficient management of wildfires for the sustainable management of natural resources and maintenance of environmental quality to improve on the socio-economic well being of the citizenry. The objectives of the Wildfire Management Policy are: to ensure effective and efficient prevention and control of wildfires; to encourage the adoption of alternative resource management systems that will minimise the occurrence of Wildfires; to develop the necessary structures and systems which will ensure stakeholder participation in wildfire management; and to promote user-focused research in wildfire management.
Deriving from the policy objectives, the following strategies intended to guide policy actions and execution of specific activities will be pursued: Effective prevention and control of wildfires; Promotion of alternative resource management systems (by encouraging the following: agro-forestry, reforestation, sustainable rural enterprises, such as snail farming, apiculture, ecotourism, domestication of wildlife, mushroom farming, and herb gardens).
The policy will also ensure consistency in formulation of legislation and bye-laws at all levels of governance to deal with the issues of wildfires in the country.In addition, by developing a national policy on wildfire, Ghana will be addressing global concerns for environmental quality management, and minimise risks from climate change.