He said the Village had closed all avenues to keep the intruders away but they enter through a storm drain running through the forest.

Mr Asare said the SOS authorities had made several reports to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to help stop activities of the intruders for fear of the fire spreading to the village.

He said very often thick smoke from the fire engulfed the village, with its attendant health risks. 

Mr Asare said the children were also sometimes frightened by the appearance  of the intruders who appeared in tattered attires and also appeared on the compound of the village unexpectedly.

The Domestic Bursar and Facilities Manager at the SOS Village, Mrs  Gloria Korley Suraz, pointed out that some of the children were asthmatic and they reacted negatively after inhaling smoke from the forest fires.

She said what concerned the Village authorities most was the smoke and its accompanying health hazard and discomfort to the children.

Information gathered indicated that the Village covered an area of 56 acres where the intruders had operated long before the home was started about 40 years ago.

The Tema Regional Fire Commander, Mr Gilford Tetteh Adam, in response to the call, led a team of firemen to the forest to inspect the area. He commented that smoke was dangerous to health and the reptiles could attack the children.

He gave an assurance that personnel from the Service would regularly interact with the intruders and educate them on the impact of their activities on the Village.

Mr Adams said the fire set by the intruders could easily spread when unguarded and urged the Management of the Village to be watchful and call the Fire Station promptly when they see any intruder.

Story by Rose Hayford Darko