The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed heads of Senior High Schools to immediately do away with all flammable materials from dormitories and strengthen fire safety measures following a series of fire outbreaks in schools across the country.
The directive was issued by the Regional Education Directorate, which said it has observed with grave concern the recent spate of fires, raising serious safety concerns for students, staff, and school property.
According to the Directorate, a fire outbreak on January 28, 2026, gutted the girls’ dormitory at the Northern School of Business Senior High School. This was followed by another incident on February 2, 2026, at Tolon Senior High School, where part of the girls’ dormitory was destroyed by fire.
On the same night, Pong Tamale Senior High School also recorded a fire outbreak at an abandoned girls’ washroom.
In response, GES has instructed all heads of Senior High Schools to conduct thorough inspections of dormitories and boarding facilities to identify and fix illegal electrical connections as well as other hazardous items.
School authorities have also been directed to avoid overloading electrical sockets and to ensure that faulty equipment is repaired or replaced without delay. In addition, schools are required to install and properly maintain fire extinguishers at strategic locations on their campuses.
To enhance preparedness, GES has tasked schools to collaborate with the Ghana National Fire Service to train staff and students on the proper use of fire extinguishers and to conduct fire safety education and drills at least once every semester.
The Directorate further directed that all schools must carry out a fire safety audit every semester in collaboration with the Ghana National Fire Service, as part of efforts to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of school communities.
