Story by Akosua Greeno

Accra, Ghana — The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has warned that parents and guardians will be held legally responsible for prank calls made by their children to emergency lines.

Speaking on the MaxFM Max Morning Dew show hosted by Abena and Akosua Greeno, Officer II (DO II) Desmond Ackah, head of Public Affairs for the GNFS stressed on the increasing involvement of juveniles in prank calls is a growing concern that undermines emergency response efforts and endangers lives.

According to DO II Ackah, prank calls are not harmless acts but serious offences that waste critical resources and delay response to real emergencies. He cautioned that parents whose children are found culpable will face prosecution under Ghanaian law.

“Parents must take responsibility for the actions of their children. These prank calls are punishable,” he stated.

The GNFS has consistently raised alarm over the high volume of prank calls received daily, noting that such acts significantly affect their operational efficiency.

Reports indicate that thousands of false calls are recorded within short periods, placing unnecessary pressure on emergency personnel in the first quarter of 2025. He stated

However, intensified public education efforts appear to be yielding results. Recent data shows a notable decline in prank calls, with the Service recording over a 30 per cent drop in early 2026 compared to the previous year.

Despite this improvement, the Service insists more needs to be done, especially at the household level. Parents are being urged to educate their children on the dangers and legal consequences of misusing emergency numbers such as 112 and 0302772446.

The GNFS reaffirmed its commitment to tracking and prosecuting offenders, emphasising that safeguarding emergency lines is a shared responsibility to protect lives and property.

Authorities are therefore calling on the public to desist from prank calls and support efforts to ensure timely and effective emergency response across the country.