Mr. Muntaka Mubarak Mohammed, Minister for the Interior, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve fire safety regulation and enhance public protection.
Speaking at the launch of the Automated Fire Compliance and Safety System (AFCAS), a digital platform designed to transform fire safety regulation and service delivery nationwide, he said the initiative marked a transition from manual and fragmented compliance processes to a digital, standardised and technology-driven regime.
“A predictable, transparent, and efficient regulatory environment is essential for attracting and retaining both local and foreign investment, and AFCAS supports this objective,” he stated.
Mr. Mohammed said that the system would enable the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to streamline inspections, reduce turnaround time and improve service delivery across homes, businesses, factories, offices and public institutions.
He said the platform would serve as a preventive public safety tool, allowing the GNFS to monitor compliance in real time, identify high-risk facilities early, and take proactive measures to prevent fire outbreaks.
“This will save lives, protect livelihoods, safeguard national assets, and reduce avoidable losses resulting from fire disasters,” he said.
Mr Mohammed called on corporate bodies, developers, business institutions and the public to support the implementation of AFCAS, warning that officers who undermined or compromised the system’s integrity would face disciplinary measures and prosecution.
Madam Daniella Ntow Sarpong, Chief Fire Officer, described the introduction of AFCAS as a defining moment in the operational evolution of the Service.
“With AFCAS, interactions with the public will be simplified, inspections better coordinated, compliance tracked in real time, and risks identified earlier than ever before,” she said.
Madam Sarpong noted that the system would also introduce a reliable revenue stream for the Service, reducing reliance on government subventions and enabling reinvestment in its core mandate.
She reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to nationwide implementation, adding that additional resources would support training programmes, enhance public fire safety education campaigns and strengthen operational capacity with improved logistics and modern firefighting equipment.
Madam Sarpong expressed gratitude to the Minister for his support and to partners whose collaboration demonstrated shared responsibility in national development. She pledged full commitment to ensuring that AFCAS delivers its intended benefits and positions the GNFS as a modern, efficient and forward-looking public safety institution.
