By Samira Larbie
Accra, May 12, GNA – The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) received a total of 131,862 prank calls during the first quarter (January to March) of 2025.
This is a remarkable 31.52 per cent reduction in prank calls compared to the first quarter of 2024, which recorded 192,545.
The GNFS, in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency, said the decline was due to intensified and consistent public education and advocacy efforts in the media, schools, communities, and digital platforms.
That had effectively raised awareness about the dangers and legal consequences of prank calls, it said.
“These seriously undermine emergency response by wasting resources and delaying real interventions, posing risks to lives and property,” the statement said.
“Prank calling emergency lines is a punishable offense under Ghanaian law and should not be taken lightly.”
Mrs Daniella Mawusi Ntow-Sapong, the Acting Chief Fire Officer, commended the public for responding positively to the call for behavioural change and urged continued cooperation.
She said the GNFS remained committed to improving emergency response delivery and encouraged the public to report fire incidents immediately via the toll-free numbers 192 / 112 or hotlines 0302772446 / 0299340383 for prompt response.
GNA
ABD