Fire protection stakeholders re-launch operations
The Fire Protection Association of Ghana (FIPAG), an umbrella body of companies operating in the fire protection industry, has re-launched its operations with a renewed commitment to strengthen standards, regulations, and professional practice in the fire protection sector.
The relaunch seeks to build a robust, reliable and effective fire protection industry in the country, ultimately enhancing fire safety and protecting lives and property.
As part of its rollout, FIPAG plans to train 1,600 certified fire extinguisher technicians across all 16 regions in the country to improve fire safety response and create employment opportunities.
The ceremony, held in Accra last Wednesday (September 17), was on the theme: “Establishing a regulatory and funding framework for Fire Protection Service providers in Ghana”, and brought together stakeholders from the fire safety and electronic security industries.
FIPAG
The FIPAG was incorporated on July 3, 2000 and inaugurated on September 23, 2010.
It represents a wide spectrum of companies within the fire protection industry, which aimed to bring together all Fire Protection Service Providers and Contractors to ensure they satisfy acceptable standards in the quality of goods and services provided to customers.
Importance, challenges
The Board Chairman of FIPAG, Ohene Mensah Budu, reiterated the importance of the industry regulation, as it intends to shift the perception of fire from destruction to prevention and economic opportunity through a well-structured fire protection industry.
“In Ghana, when we talk about fire, it means destruction. We want to change that narrative by creating a viable industry for fire protection that serves as both a safety net and an economic driver,” he said.
He said that while the Ghana National Fire Service was responsible for firefighting and inspections, service providers under FIPAG supplied and installed essential fire equipment before buildings were inaugurated for public use.
However, he said the association faced challenges, including a lack of regulation, inadequate training, and limited financial resources.
Mr Budu added that the influx of unqualified dealers selling substandard firefighting equipment had contributed to the rising cases of fire outbreaks, particularly in markets and schools.
Integration
The President of the Electronic Security Association of Ghana, Henry Boni-Quarshie, called for stronger integration between fire protection and electronic systems.
He said modern safety frameworks required intelligent alarms, access control, and other electronic systems to work hand in hand with fire protection measures.
The Executive Secretary of FIPAG, Alexander Kofie, appealed to the National Insurance Commission (NIC) and other state institutions to support the association with funding, adding that provisions in the Insurance Act 1061 allowed credible organisations to access the Fire Control Fund.
Training, collaboration
He said the FIPAG was in discussions with the Fire Protection Association UK and the Confederation of Fire Protection Associations (CFPA) to provide technical support, mentorship, and internationally recognised certification tailored to the country’s needs.
Mr Kofie said the importance of training and capacity building for service providers would play a critical role in installing and maintaining fire safety systems.
