The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has launched a new digital platform to streamline fire safety compliance and improve the monitoring of fire protection systems across the country.
The Automated Fire Compliance and Safety System (AFCAS) is designed to simplify the processing of fire permits and certificates while strengthening enforcement of fire safety regulations.
The initiative, announced by the GNFS Headquarters Public Relations Department, is being implemented in line with the Fire Precaution (Premises) Regulations, 2003 (L.I. 1724), as amended by L.I. 2249.
Under the regulations, owners of domestic, commercial and residential properties are required to obtain a fire permit before construction and a fire certificate after completion.
With the rollout of AFCAS, the GNFS says all applications must now be submitted through its online portal.
Property owners, managers, businesses and homeowners can access the platform and follow the application guidelines provided in the official information brochure.
Fire equipment to carry GNFS tags and QR codes
The new system also introduces mandatory tagging and identification of fire safety equipment.
The GNFS says fire alarms, fire extinguishers and other fire protection equipment must be fitted with official AFCAS tags and unique QR codes.
Property managers, institutions, businesses and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) have consequently been directed to engage only GNFS-AFCAS Licensed Fire Protection Contractors for the installation of fire safety equipment.
The Service has also advised the public to purchase fire protection equipment bearing official GNFS AFCAS tags and to source such equipment from licensed providers.
According to the GNFS, newly imported fire protection equipment will be tagged at the point of entry into the country.
Owners of existing fire safety equipment, meanwhile, have been given a six-month grace period from the date of publication of the directive to work with authorised GNFS fire safety inspectors to have their equipment properly tagged.
The GNFS says the measures are intended to improve accountability, ensure the use of approved fire protection equipment and enhance fire safety standards nationwide.
Head of Public Relations at the GNFS, Divisional Officer One Emmanuel Bonney, has urged property owners, businesses and other stakeholders to cooperate with the Service as the digital system is rolled out.
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