Station Officer 1 at the Ghana National Fire Service, Michael Walter Okai, has stated that it is a legal requirement under Ghanaian law for households to have fire extinguishers as part of basic fire safety measures.
According to him, the presence of fire extinguishers in homes is an important preventive measure that can help control fires at their early stages before they escalate into major incidents.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with GN Media at the headquarters of the Ghana National Fire Service, Officer Okai explained that the law places responsibility on property owners and occupants to ensure that basic fire safety equipment is available in their homes.
He noted that fire extinguishers are critical in responding quickly to domestic fire outbreaks, particularly in situations involving cooking, electrical faults, or flammable materials. He added that early intervention using extinguishers can significantly reduce damage to property and prevent injuries or loss of life.
The Ghana National Fire Service is the state institution responsible for fire prevention, fire-fighting operations, and public education on fire safety across the country. The Service also conducts inspections of commercial buildings, institutions, and other facilities to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
Over the years, the Service has intensified public education campaigns to encourage households to adopt preventive safety measures, including the installation of smoke detectors, proper handling of electrical appliances, and the availability of fire extinguishers.
Officials say many fire incidents in Ghana occur in residential buildings, often due to electrical faults, unattended cooking, or improper storage of flammable substances. As a result, the Ghana National Fire Service continues to urge the public to prioritise fire safety practices in their homes in order to minimise the risk of fire outbreaks and improve emergency response in residential areas.
