The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has declared that starting Thursday, December 18, 2025, it will initiate a nationwide compliance exercise regarding vehicle fire extinguishers to guarantee that all vehicles on the roads are equipped with functional and readily accessible fire extinguishers.
According to the fire service, this initiative will be led by the GNFS Fire Safety Compliance Taskforce, in collaboration with the National Road Safety Authority and the Motor Traffic and Transport Department of the Ghana Police Service.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the GNFS emphasised that the compliance operation aims to enforce the mandate requiring drivers and vehicle owners to possess at least one GNFS-certified or embossed portable fire extinguisher in their vehicles.
As part of this initiative, the task force will perform on-the-spot fire safety inspections on vehicles, issue GNFS certification tags for effective fire extinguishers, and offer technical guidance on the proper use of fire extinguishers in accordance with the Ghana National Fire Service Act, 1997 (Act 537).
The GNFS also stated that it would collaborate with transport unions and associations nationwide to educate drivers and vehicle owners about the significance of fire prevention and preparedness.
Drivers and vehicle owners must ensure that fire extinguishers are in working order by inspecting pressure gauges, checking expiry dates, and verifying tamper seals. Additionally, extinguishers should be securely mounted in vehicles and readily accessible.
They will also receive training on the proper use of portable fire extinguishers and will be encouraged to carry other vital safety equipment, such as warning triangles and first-aid kits, in their vehicles.
The GNFS emphasised that every moment is crucial when a fire occurs in a vehicle, highlighting that having a certified and operational fire extinguisher within easy reach could be the key factor in preventing a minor incident from escalating into a significant tragedy.
The Service reaffirmed its dedication to improving road safety nationwide through enhanced public education on vehicle fire prevention and strict enforcement of fire safety regulations.
Find the full statement below.
