Kpandai: Yam Farmers at Blajai in the Kpandai district of the Northern Region who have lost over 40 barns of yam to fire have appealed to the government to support them to recover their losses and enable them to take care of their families. They have equally appealed to the security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incidents that happened simultaneously at different locations.

According to Ghana News Agency, the farmers believe the fire was deliberately set, as containers with traces of petrol were found at the site, indicating a coordinated effort to sabotage their livelihoods. Mr. Robert Gbanzaba, Chairman of the Kpandai branch of the Konkomba Youth Association (KOYA), made a public appeal for assistance during an interview in Accra, urging individuals and organizations to support the Blajai community.

The fire, suspected to be an act of arson, resulted in the destruction of approximately 72,000 yam setts and tubers, impacting numerous farmers and their families. Among those affected are Mr. Elijah Nbenba, Mr. Nakoja Nlanjo, Mr. Sajah Bijakie, Mr. Kwaku Nyong, Mr. Solomon Nyong, and Mr. John Ntima, all from the Blajai community.

The presence of petrol bottles among the yams suggests that the fire was a coordinated act of arson, rather than an accident. The incident has left the community struggling, with women and children facing severe hardships. Madam Doris Bindefrim emphasized the dire situation, as families are left without income or food, relying solely on gari.

Mr. Agomada Kwame Kumah, Deputy National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) District director at Kpandai, confirmed to the Ghana News Agency that NADMO is taking steps to address the fire incident. The case has been officially reported to the Kpandai District police Command and Ubor Bignali Magan, the chief of Konkombas at Kpandai.