<p>Chief Fire Officer, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong has positioned the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) at the forefront of public sector digital reform following the official launch of the Automated Fire Compliance and Safety System (AFCAS) on Friday, February 20, 2026, at The Palms by Eagles Hotel in Accra.</p>
<p>Describing the occasion as a defining moment in the history of the Service, the Chief Fire Officer said AFCAS represents a deliberate shift from manual, paper-based fire compliance processes to a technology-driven, transparent and standardized system.</p>
<p>“Before AFCAS, fire safety compliance in Ghana was largely manual, fragmented and time-consuming,” she stated. “Inspections were difficult to track, turnaround times were long, and both the public and the Service faced avoidable frustrations.”</p>
<p>According to her, the new digital platform will simplify engagement with the public, enhance coordination of inspections, enable real-time compliance tracking and support early identification of fire risks across homes, businesses and public institutions.</p>
<p>She stressed that innovation is not an end in itself but a means to achieving safer communities, protected investments and a resilient nation.</p>
<h3>Commitment to Nationwide Rollout</h3>
<p>Chief Fire Officer Ntow Sarpong assured stakeholders of the Service’s full commitment to the successful nationwide implementation of AFCAS, pledging that GNFS officers are ready to ensure the system delivers its intended impact.</p>
<p>She noted that the transformation aligns with broader government efforts to modernize public service delivery through technology and innovation.</p>
<p>The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, who served as Special Guest of Honour, described fire safety as “a national necessity” and commended the Chief Fire Officer for her leadership in accelerating the project’s rollout.</p>
<p>He further indicated that the initiative supports the government’s digitalization agenda under President John Dramani Mahama, aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and ease of doing business.</p>
<h3>Modern Tools for Prevention and Accountability</h3>
<p>Deputy Director of Safety Michael Korsah highlighted AFCAS’ key functionalities, including digital certification and renewals, scientific inspections using thermal imaging devices and real-time monitoring of fire safety equipment.</p>
<p>The system introduces enhanced risk assessments for mortgaged properties, verification of fire-rated construction materials, mandatory institutional fire safety training and digital tracking of fire extinguishers linked to specific vehicles.</p>
<p>It also provides for 24-hour surveillance consoles to improve early detection and emergency response time.</p>
<h3>A New Era for GNFS</h3>
<p>With the official activation of AFCAS, Chief Fire Officer Ntow Sarpong said the Ghana National Fire Service is embracing innovation, partnership and accountability to deliver faster and more effective fire safety compliance nationwide.</p>
<p>Authorities believe the system will significantly reduce fire outbreaks, minimize property losses and strengthen public confidence in Ghana’s fire safety regulatory framework.</p>