The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has launched the Automated Fire Compliance and Safety System (AFCAS), a digital platform designed to streamline the application for fire permits, fire certificates and fire equipment tagging across the country.
GNFS, in a statement explained that the system, which is now open to the public, forms part of the its digital transformation agenda and is being implemented in accordance with the Fire Precaution (Premises) Regulations, 2003 (L.I. 1724), as amended by L.I. 2249.
Under the regulations, all commercial and residential premises are required to obtain a fire permit before construction begins and a fire certificate after completion. Fire alarms, fire equipment and extinguishers are also required to carry official GNFS tags for inspection.
The GNFS said AFCAS is intended to strengthen fire-safety enforcement, monitoring and administration while improving service delivery and regulatory compliance.
“The AFCAS platform has been developed to advance the objectives of the GNFS, ensure regulatory compliance, and strengthen the enforcement, monitoring, and overall administration of fire safety across Ghana,” the Service said.
The Service has directed vehicle owners, residential and commercial property owners, and building owners or occupiers to submit their applications through the digital platform.
It has also cautioned the public to purchase only fire extinguishers and other fire-safety equipment bearing official GNFS AFCAS tags and obtained from licensed Fire Protection Contractors.
Property managers, businesses, institutions and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) have further been directed to engage only GNFS-AFCAS Licensed Fire Protection Contractors for the installation of fire-safety equipment. All installed equipment must carry an official GNFS-AFCAS QR code.
As part of the implementation, newly imported fire equipment will be tagged at the point of entry, while owners of existing equipment have six months from August 28, 2026 to arrange for GNFS-authorised fire safety inspectors to tag them.
The AFCAS portal is currently accessible through www.afcas.gnfs.gov.gh, with an information brochure available on the platform to guide applicants through the procedures, objectives and benefits of the system.
The GNFS said the initiative is expected to improve fire-safety compliance nationwide and called on all stakeholders to cooperate fully with its implementation.
