The Ghana National Fire Service has announced the launch of a major nationwide compliance exercise aimed at ensuring every vehicle on the road is equipped with a functional fire extinguisher.
The operation, which begins today, December 18, 2025, marks a significant escalation in the government’s efforts to curb the rising threat of vehicular fires across the country.
The initiative is being spearheaded by the GNFS Fire Safety Compliance Taskforce, working in close coordination with the National Road Safety Authority and the Motor Traffic and Transport Department of the Ghana Police Service.
This dedicated unit has been mandated to conduct on-the-spot safety checks and provide technical advice to motorists. Beyond mere inspection, the taskforce will be issuing official GNFS certification tags to identify extinguishers that meet the required safety standards.
According to a formal statement released by the service, the core objective is to move beyond passive ownership toward active preparedness.
The GNFS is engaging directly with transport unions and vehicle owners to ensure that safety equipment is not only present but also properly maintained.
Drivers are being urged to “ensure extinguishers are serviceable” by regularly checking pressure gauges, expiry dates, and tamper seals. Furthermore, the service is emphasizing that these devices must be mounted securely and remain easily accessible within the cabin.
“The GNFS emphasizes that every second counts when fire breaks out in a vehicle,” the service noted in its release.
Officials believe that having a “certified/embossed working fire extinguisher within arm’s reach can make the difference between a minor scare and a tragic loss.”
As part of the wider safety drive, motorists are also being reminded to carry other essential safety items, including warning triangles and first-aid kits.
