GNFS to begin nationwide vehicle fire extinguisher compliance exercise on December 18

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has announced plans to commence a nationwide vehicle fire-extinguisher compliance exercise aimed at ensuring that all vehicles on the road are equipped with functional, easily accessible, and GNFS-certified or embossed portable fire extinguishers.

This release was signed by Desmond E. Ackah, Divisional Officer II (DO II)the Public Relations Department of the GNFS, from its headquarters in Accra and dated 16 December, 2025, the Service stated that the exercise will officially begin on December 18, 2025 and will be carried out across the country.

The operation will be led by the GNFS Fire Safety Compliance Taskforce, working in collaboration with the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) and the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service.

The Taskforce is mandated to conduct on-the-spot fire safety checks on vehicles, issue GNFS certification tags for effective fire extinguishers, and provide technical advice on the proper use and compliance of fire extinguishers as provided under section 4(c) of the Ghana National Fire Service Act, 1997 (Act 537).

As part of the exercise, the GNFS will engage transport unions and associations nationwide to stress the importance of drivers and vehicle owners procuring and carrying at least one functional fire extinguisher certified by the Service.

Vehicle owners are also expected to ensure that extinguishers are serviceable by checking pressure gauges, expiry dates, and tamper seals, securely mount GNFS-certified or embossed extinguishers in vehicles, train drivers on the safe use of portable extinguishers, and keep other essential safety items such as warning triangles and first-aid kits in their vehicles.

The GNFS cautioned that vehicle fires can escalate rapidly, noting that every second counts when a fire breaks out. According to the Service, having a certified and working fire extinguisher within arm’s reach can be the difference between a minor incident and a tragic loss.

The GNFS’s role as the lead agency for fire prevention and public safety, emphasizing its commitment to improving road safety nationwide through intensified public education on vehicular fire prevention and firm enforcement measures.