In a remarkable fusion of art and advocacy, A Rocha Ghana, in partnership with the Leverhulme Centre for Wildfires and the Centre for Wildfires, Environment and Society at King’s College London, has unveiled a striking mural in Damongo.
Aptly named “Flames of Duality,” this powerful piece of public art aims to ignite conversations about equitable fire management in the Northern regions of Ghana.
The unveiling event took place on Thursday, June 26, 2025, and was attended by officials from the Ghana National Fire Service and the Forestry Commission.
Advocacy Through Art
“Flames of Duality” is a compelling advocacy tool designed to foster discussions and promote sustainable practices in the Northern Savannah region.
Created by artist Daniel Kweku Anetang, the mural was inspired by a 2024 workshop on equitable fire management.
It portrays diverse fire-related practices, both beneficial and harmful, seen across Northern Ghana, illustrating scenes like a firefighter in action, a woman using fire for cleaning, a farmer employing fire belts for crop protection, and a forest affected by fire.
This mural stands as a vivid reminder of the intricate relationship between fire and the people of Northern Ghana, advocating for responsible and inclusive fire management.
The Importance of Fire Management
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Mr. Godwin Evenyo Dzekoto, Northern Sector Manager for A Rocha Ghana, emphasized the need for proper fire management, adding that it is crucial for preserving ecosystems and supporting communities reliant on these landscapes.
“The savannas and forests of Northern Ghana have developed alongside natural fires, but human activities and climate change have disrupted these patterns. We know fires are very important to our livelihoods and ecosystem in Northern Ghana. Fires can be good servants but also dangerous masters,” he said.
Mr. Dzekoto highlighted the importance of inclusive dialogue in fire-related decision-making. “Often, the most vulnerable and marginalized groups are left out of these conversations, yet they are the most affected by fire,” he said.
According to him, “This advocacy tool challenges us to consider fire from a landscape perspective, urging all users to be mindful of their actions and their impact on the environment, wildlife, and livelihoods.”
Equitable Fire Management Policy
The mural is not all that there is to ensuring a holistic approach to fire management in the landscape. A policy brief titled “Equitable Fire Management in Ghana” has also been developed to guide sustainable and culturally sensitive practices.
This policy addresses the need for an inclusive strategy and recognizes different fire types and their conditions. It emphasizes adaptive management based on ecological factors rather than rigid schedules, aligning with local knowledge.
The policy also advocates for incorporating traditional fire knowledge into frameworks, valuing insights from chiefs, earth priests, women, herders, and migrants.
This collaborative approach is crucial for sustainable fire management that benefits both the land and its communities.
The project was made possible with funding from the KCLAHRC Impact Accelerator Award and the Leverhulme Centre for Wildfires, Environment and Society.
