The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has inaugurated its Automated Fire Compliance and Safety System (AFCAS), a computerized interface aimed at facilitating the acquisition of fire permits, certifications, and the labeling of fire-safety apparatus.
According to the current regulations, structures must have a fire permit before to construction and a fire certificate upon completion.
Under the existing requirements, buildings are expected to obtain a fire permit before construction and a fire certificate after completion. Fire extinguishers, alarms and other relevant safety equipment must also be inspected and carry the required GNFS-AFCAS identification.
The GNFS has urged property owners, businesses and other affected persons to use licensed Fire Protection Contractors when installing fire-safety equipment. The Service announces that newly imported equipment will receive tags upon entry. Meanwhile, owners of existing equipment have until February 28, 2027, to ensure their items are officially tagged.
The introduction of AFCAS forms part of the GNFS’s wider move to digitize fire-safety administration and improve the monitoring of compliance.
For property owners and businesses, the rollout means greater attention will be required on keeping fire-safety permits, certificates and equipment records up to date.
The GNFS is encouraging the public to familiarize themselves with the new system and comply with the applicable fire-safety requirements.
