Residential fire safety in Ghana: a comprehensive analysis of fire incident causes, user attitudes and safety compliance

Purpose Fire outbreaks in residential buildings pose a significant threat to life and property in Ghana. While various studies have examined fire safety in public and commercial buildings, limited research has focused on the implementation of fire safety systems in residential buildings. This study aims to bridge this gap by providing empirical data on the predominant causes of residential fires, examining residents’ perceptions of fire safety systems and assessing the state of emergency planning practices in these buildings. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a quantitative research approach where survey questionnaires were administered purposively to residents and stakeholders involved in residential buildings within the city of Kumasi, Ghana. A total of 92 responses were obtained and analyzed using Cronbach’s alpha for reliability, descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation. Findings The study identified key factors contributing to residential fire incidents, including improper electrical installations, faulty electrical outlets, overloading of electrical appliances, negligence and non-adherence to safety protocols. Additionally, it highlighted prevailing attitudes of indifference, lack of awareness regarding fire safety measures, and inadequate emergency preparedness among residents. The study also pointed out the importance of fire safety compliance, such as early warning signs of fires, fire suppression equipment and emergency planning. Practical implications The findings from this study create awareness among building residents, property managers, developers and policymakers to formulate practical fire safety strategies for residential buildings. Originality/value This study is unique, as it gauges the efficiency of fire safety systems in residential settings in Ghana, an area of study where only a few studies have been done, unlike in public and commercial buildings.