Ghana continues to face fire safety challenges due to manual and fragmented inspection and certification processes. Many premises operate without valid fire safety certification, and compliance monitoring is difficult to track in real time. This increases the risk of fire incidents, property damage, and loss of lives. The project is needed to modernise the fire safety regulatory system by improving compliance, strengthening enforcement, reducing delays in certification, and enhancing transparency in the delivery of fire safety services nationwide.

The project involves the development and operation of a nationwide digital platform known as the Automated Fire Compliance and Safety System (AFCAS). The asset consists mainly of: A centralised digital software platform for fire safety compliance management; Supporting ICT infrastructure and databases; Integration interfaces with payment systems and other government registries; and Equipment and tools required to support digital inspections and certification. The system will be deployed nationwide and will support the Ghana National Fire Service in carrying out its regulatory mandate.

Under the project, the private partner will design, develop, deploy, and operate the automated system. The services to be provided include: Digital processing and issuance of Fire Safety Certificates; Certificate renewals and compliance tracking; Fire safety inspections and re-inspections; Certification of fire safety equipment and systems; Thermal imaging wiring certification; Training and related fire safety compliance services; and Integration of payment processing for fire safety services. The system will allow real-time monitoring of compliance and improve service delivery efficiency.

The PPP mode was selected because the project involves specialised digital infrastructure and operational expertise that can be efficiently delivered by the private sector. Under the PPP arrangement: The private partner will finance, develop, and operate the system Key risks such as technology performance, system upgrades, and cost overruns can be transferred to the private sector Government will avoid significant upfront capital expenditure Performance-based service delivery can be enforced through contractual agreements This approach is expected to improve efficiency, innovation, and long-term sustainability.

Key stakeholders include the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Finance, local government authorities, businesses, and property owners. The project concept has been discussed within relevant government institutions, and the feasibility study has been reviewed by the appropriate public investment and PPP bodies. Further consultations and engagements will be undertaken prior to deploying the software to ensure that stakeholder concerns are addressed and the system meets user needs.