The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has voiced its concern about the persistent issue of prank calls, which it says significantly hinders timely responses to real emergencies.

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During an interview on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on Friday, May 9, ADO 1 Derrick Elorm Adzokpa from the Public Relations Department of the GNFS expressed dismay at the ongoing misuse of the emergency phone lines.

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“The prank calls are killing us,” he said, highlighting the pressure these false calls put on the Service’s emergency operations.

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Despite these challenges, Adzokpa noted some progress, stating that prank calls dropped by 31.52% in the first three months of 2025 compared to the same time last year.

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He credited this drop to increased public sensitization and greater awareness about the dangers of misusing emergency contacts.

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“It means people are now understanding the effects and implications of these calls,” he stated.

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Even with this decline, Adzokpa stressed that prank calls still pose a serious threat, as they can occupy lines needed for genuine emergencies.

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“Sometimes when there is an emergency and you call 112 or 192 and it’s not going through, it means someone else is on the line, and that could be a prank call. You can even deny someone who has a real issue the help they urgently need,” he explained.

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To help alleviate the issue, he encouraged citizens to try other contact options when the main hotlines are busy. “The moment you call this number, you will get someone to speak to, and then we will attend to you,” he said, citing alternative numbers: 0302772446 and 0299340383.

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The GNFS continues to advocate for responsible use of its emergency systems, warning that even a single prank call can lead to life-threatening consequences.

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