The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has reported a significant 31.52 percent drop in prank calls recorded in the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. The reduction represents a major win in the Service’s ongoing efforts to curb abuse of emergency hotlines and improve response to real emergencies.
According to a press release signed by the Head of Public Relations, Divisional Officer II (DO II) Desmond E. Ackah, the GNFS received a total of 131,862 prank calls between January and March 2025, down from 192,545 recorded in the same period last year.
“This remarkable decline is largely attributed to our intensified and consistent public education and advocacy campaigns carried out across media platforms, schools, communities, and digital channels,” DO II Ackah stated. “These initiatives have significantly raised awareness about the dangers and legal consequences of prank calls to emergency services.”
The GNFS emphasized that prank calls undermine the integrity of emergency response systems by wasting critical resources, tying up emergency lines, and causing delays that could endanger lives and property. The public is reminded that making prank calls to emergency services is a punishable offense under Ghanaian law.
The Acting Chief Fire Officer, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sapong, commended Ghanaians for their growing awareness and responsiveness, noting that the recorded progress is a reflection of collective responsibility.
“We are encouraged by the public’s positive response to our calls for behavioural change and urge continued cooperation in safeguarding lives and property,” she said.
The Service reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing emergency response delivery and encouraged the public to report fire incidents and other emergencies promptly via the toll-free numbers 192 or 112, or hotlines 0302772446 / 0299340383.
“This improvement is a step in the right direction,” DO II Ackah added. “Let’s keep working together to ensure our emergency lines are available for those who truly need them.”
The GNFS says it will continue to engage and educate the public, especially the youth, to sustain the gains made and further reduce the menace of prank calls in the country.
credit: republiconline.com
