‘Fire Safety Is a National Necessity’ — Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak at AFCAS Launch

Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has declared that fire prevention is central to Ghana’s national development agenda as he officially launched the Automated Fire Compliance and Safety System (AFCAS) on Friday, February 20, 2026, at The Palms by Eagles Hotel in Accra.

Describing fire safety as “a national necessity,” the Minister said effective enforcement and preventive systems are critical to protecting lives, safeguarding investments and sustaining investor confidence.

He made the remarks at the nationwide rollout of AFCAS by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), noting that the initiative marks a decisive shift from manual, fragmented compliance processes to a digital, technology-driven fire safety regime.

According to him, as Ghana’s urban centres expand and industrial activity increases, the demand for a responsive, transparent and efficient fire compliance system has never been more urgent.

Strengthening Digital Public Service Delivery

The Minister indicated that the launch aligns with the government’s broader digital transformation agenda under President John Dramani Mahama, aimed at improving public service delivery and reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks.

He explained that several services under the Ministry of the Interior are already accessible online, minimizing the need for citizens to travel long distances to complete applications.

He added that AFCAS will streamline inspections, reduce turnaround time for certification, generate reliable compliance data and improve transparency within the regulatory framework.

“A predictable and efficient regulatory environment is essential for attracting and retaining both local and foreign investment,” he stated, stressing that AFCAS directly supports Ghana’s ease-of-doing-business reforms.

A Turning Point for GNFS

In her welcome address, Chief Fire Officer Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong described the launch as a defining moment for the Service.

She acknowledged that prior to AFCAS, fire safety compliance processes were largely paper-based and difficult to track, often resulting in delays despite the dedication of officers.

“With AFCAS, we are embracing innovation to deliver faster, transparent, standardized and accountable fire safety compliance,” she said, assuring stakeholders of the Service’s full commitment to nationwide implementation.

Key Features of the System

Deputy Director of Safety Michael Korsah outlined the major components of the system, including digital certification and renewal, scientific inspections using thermal imaging technology and real-time tracking of fire safety equipment.

Under the new regime, properties seeking certification will undergo enhanced risk assessments, including electrical inspections using thermal imaging devices to detect hidden hazards.

The platform will also:

• Assess mortgaged and non-collateralized properties before financial institutions approve loans.
• Verify fire-rated construction materials entering the country.
• Make institutional fire safety training a prerequisite for certification.
• Digitally register and link fire extinguishers to specific vehicles to prevent misuse.
• Deploy 24-hour surveillance consoles to improve early detection and emergency response time.

Officials say the system will improve data-driven planning, enhance accountability and significantly reduce fire outbreaks nationwide.

Commendation for Leadership

The Minister commended Chief Fire Officer Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong for accelerating the project’s implementation, noting that initial timelines projected a longer rollout period.

With AFCAS now operational, authorities say Ghana has entered a new era of technology-driven fire safety governance — focused on prevention, efficiency and national resilience.

 

Source:Joseph Kobla Wemakor