The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) will begin a nationwide vehicle fire-extinguisher compliance exercise on Dec. 18, 2025, aimed at ensuring that all vehicles operating on Ghana’s roads are equipped with functional, easily accessible and GNFS-certified portable fire extinguishers.
The operation 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. The exercise forms part of efforts to strengthen road safety and reduce losses from vehicle fires.
According to the GNFS, the Fire Safety Compliance Taskforce is mandated to conduct on-the-spot fire safety inspections, issue certification tags for approved fire extinguishers and provide technical guidance on compliance in line with Section 4(c) of the Ghana National Fire Service Act, 1997 (Act 537).
As part of the nationwide exercise, the Fire Service will also engage transport unions and vehicle owners’ associations to highlight key safety requirements. Drivers and owners will be encouraged to procure and carry at least one functional fire extinguisher certified by the GNFS, ensure extinguishers are serviceable by checking pressure gauges, expiry dates and tamper seals, and securely mount certified extinguishers where they are easily accessible.
The GNFS will further emphasize the importance of training drivers in the safe use of portable fire extinguishers and keeping other essential safety items, including warning triangles and first-aid kits, in vehicles.
The Service warned that vehicle fires can escalate rapidly, noting that a certified, working fire extinguisher within arm’s reach can prevent minor incidents from turning into fatal tragedies.
As Ghana’s lead agency for fire prevention and public safety, the GNFS said the compliance exercise will be supported by intensified public education and firm enforcement measures to enhance safety on roads nationwide.
The Fire Service urged motorists to cooperate fully with officers during the exercise, stressing that the initiative is intended to save lives and protect property.