The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has announced that it will, from Thursday, December 18, 2025, begin a nationwide vehicle fire extinguisher compliance exercise to ensure that all vehicles on the road are equipped with functional and easily accessible fire extinguishers.
The exercise, according to the fire service, will be spearheaded by the GNFS Fire Safety Compliance Taskforce, together with the National Road Safety Authority and the Motor Traffic and Transport Department of the Ghana Police Service.
In a statement released on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the GNFS noted that the compliance operation is aimed at enforcing the requirement for drivers and vehicle owners to carry at least one GNFS-certified or embossed portable fire extinguisher in their vehicles.
As part of the exercise, the taskforce will conduct on-the-spot fire safety checks on vehicles, issue GNFS certification tags for effective fire extinguishers, and provide technical advice on proper fire extinguisher use in line with the Ghana National Fire Service Act, 1997 (Act 537).
The GNFS said it would also engage transport unions and associations across the country to educate drivers and vehicle owners on the importance of fire prevention and preparedness.
Drivers and vehicle owners will be required to ensure that fire extinguishers are serviceable by checking pressure gauges, expiry dates and tamper seals, and that extinguishers are securely mounted in vehicles and easily accessible.
They will also be trained on the safe use of portable fire extinguishers and encouraged to keep other essential safety items, including warning triangles and first-aid kits, in their vehicles.
The GNFS stressed that every second counted when a fire broke out in a vehicle, noting that having a certified and functional fire extinguisher within arm’s reach could make the difference between a minor incident and a tragic loss.
The Service reiterated its commitment to enhancing road safety across the country through intensified public education on vehicular fire prevention and firm enforcement of fire safety regulations.
