Date.7th June,2026
PRESS RELEASE
FALSE EMERGENCY REPORTS AND MISLEADING FLOOD VIDEOS UNDERMINE RESPONSE EFFORTS: GREATER ACCRA REGIONAL COORDINATING COUNCIL APPEALS FOR COOPERATION
The Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) wishes to express its deep concern over the growing incidence of prank and false emergency calls being directed to emergency response agencies and public officials amidst the ongoing flooding affecting several parts of the Greater Accra Region.
We have observed that the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana National Fire Service, the National Ambulance Service, the Regional Coordinating Council, and the Office of the Greater Accra Regional Minister continue to receive numerous false distress reports and prank calls. These actions divert critical resources and attention away from genuine emergency situations where lives and property are at immediate risk.
In addition, the circulation of old and misleading videos of previous flood incidents on social media and other digital platforms is creating unnecessary panic and confusion among the public. Such content often misrepresents the current situation, overwhelms emergency communication channels with unverified reports, and hampers the efforts of response agencies to provide accurate information to affected communities. The spread of misinformation during emergencies can lead to poor decision-making by the public and undermine confidence in official updates.
As emergency personnel work tirelessly to rescue stranded residents, provide relief to affected communities, and respond to urgent distress situations, the misuse of emergency communication channels and the dissemination of inaccurate information place an unnecessary burden on responders and reduce the effectiveness of ongoing operations.
As Chairperson of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), I appeal to all residents to act responsibly and refrain from making false emergency reports or sharing unverified flood-related content. Every prank call occupies vital communication lines, delays response times, and may prevent emergency teams from reaching individuals and communities that urgently need assistance. Similarly, the circulation of outdated videos can create fear, mislead the public, and complicate emergency response efforts. As residents of Greater Accra, your cooperation is essential.
We further urge the public to use emergency contact lines only for legitimate emergencies, verify information before sharing it, and rely on official sources for updates on the flood situation. We also urge the public to cooperate fully with all response agencies as they continue to manage the flood situation across the region.
Your safety, security, and well-being remain our highest priority. We therefore call on all residents to support emergency responders by providing accurate and timely information and by helping to keep emergency communication systems available for those in genuine need.
The Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council remains steadfast in its commitment to working closely with all emergency and security agencies to safeguard lives and property and to ensure an effective and coordinated response to the current flooding situation.
SIGNED BY:
HON. LINDA OBENEWAA AKWELEY OCLOO (MP) GREATER ACCRA REGIONAL MINISTER
Kindly quote this number and date on all correspondence My Ref. No. GARCC.60/03/02_ Your Ref. No.
