GNFS to Launch Nationwide Vehicle Fire-Extinguisher Compliance Exercise on December 18

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) is set to begin a nationwide vehicle fire-extinguisher compliance exercise on December 18, 2025, aimed at improving road safety and reducing losses from vehicle fire outbreaks.

The exercise will ensure that all vehicles operating on Ghana’s roads are fitted with functional, easily accessible, and GNFS-certified or embossed portable fire extinguishers. The operation will be led by the GNFS Fire Safety Compliance Taskforce in collaboration with the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) and the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service.

According to the GNFS, the Fire Safety Compliance Taskforce is a specialized unit mandated to conduct on-the-spot fire safety inspections on vehicles, issue GNFS certification tags for effective fire extinguishers, and provide technical guidance on proper usage and compliance. These duties are in line with Section 4(c) of the Ghana National Fire Service Act, 1997 (Act 537).

As part of the nationwide exercise, the GNFS will also engage transport unions and driver associations across the country to reinforce key safety requirements. Drivers and vehicle owners will be expected to procure and carry at least one functional fire extinguisher certified by the GNFS, ensure that extinguishers are serviceable by checking pressure gauges, expiry dates, and tamper seals, and securely mount the extinguishers in vehicles where they are easily accessible.

The Service will further encourage vehicle owners to train drivers on the safe use of portable fire extinguishers and to keep other essential safety equipment on board, including warning triangles and first-aid kits.

Emphasizing the importance of preparedness, the GNFS noted that rapid response during a vehicle fire can prevent fatalities and extensive damage. “Every second counts when fire breaks out in a vehicle. A certified and working fire extinguisher within arm’s reach can make the difference between a minor incident and a tragic loss,” the Service stated.

The GNFS reaffirmed its commitment, as the lead agency for fire prevention and public safety, to enhancing road safety nationwide through intensified public education on vehicular fire prevention and strict enforcement of fire safety regulations.