The Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) has warned that a surge in prank and false emergency calls being made to disaster response agencies amid ongoing flooding across the Greater Accra Region is undermining efforts to save lives and property.
In a press release signed by Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo (MP), the Council said NADMO, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana National Fire Service, the National Ambulance Service, the Regional Coordinating Council, and the Office of the Regional Minister have all been dealing with false distress reports, diverting critical resources away from genuine emergencies.
The Council warned that every false call slows down response times and risks leaving people in real danger without help.
“Every prank call occupies vital communication lines, delays response times, and may prevent emergency teams from reaching individuals and communities that urgently need assistance,” the statement read.
The minister, who is also the Chairperson of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), appealed to residents of Greater Accra to act responsibly, use emergency lines only for legitimate distress situations, and cooperate fully with all response agencies managing the flood crisis.
The GARCC also called on residents to support emergency responders by providing accurate and timely information to keep communication channels available for those in genuine need.
The statement further reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to working alongside all emergency and security agencies to safeguard lives and property and ensure a coordinated response to the flooding situation.
