The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has disclosed that it received a staggering 131,862 prank calls between January and March 2025.

Despite representing a significant reduction from the previous year, the figure still raises concerns about the misuse of emergency lines and the impact such calls have on the Service’s ability to respond to genuine emergencies.

According to the GNFS, prank calls waste valuable time and resources, delay life-saving interventions, and put lives and property at risk.

The Service attributes the drop—down from 192,545 prank calls recorded in the same period in 2024—to sustained public education campaigns and increased community engagement.

Acting Chief Fire Officer, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sapong, commended the public for their growing cooperation but urged Ghanaians to remain responsible in their use of emergency services.

The GNFS reiterated that prank calling emergency lines is a punishable offence under Ghanaian law, and called on the public to report real fire incidents promptly via toll-free numbers 192 and 112 or hotlines 0302772446 and 0299340383 for immediate response.