The Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) has raised concerns over the increasing number of false emergency reports and the circulation of misleading flood-related videos, warning that the trend is undermining ongoing efforts to respond effectively to flooding across the region.
In a press release issued on June 7, 2026, and signed by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, the Council said emergency response agencies continue to receive numerous prank calls and false distress reports at a time when resources are needed to address genuine emergencies.
According to the statement, agencies including 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 have all been affected by the growing number of false alerts.
The Council noted that such actions divert critical resources and personnel away from real emergencies where lives and property are at immediate risk.
Beyond the false emergency calls, GARCC also expressed concern over the widespread circulation of outdated and misleading flood videos on social media and other digital platforms. It said many of the videos being shared are from previous flood incidents but are being presented as current events, creating unnecessary panic and confusion among residents.
According to the Council, the spread of unverified content overwhelms emergency communication channels with inaccurate reports and makes it more difficult for response agencies to provide reliable 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,” the statement emphasized.
GARCC acknowledged the efforts of emergency personnel who continue to work tirelessly to rescue stranded residents, provide relief to affected communities, and respond to urgent distress calls despite the challenging circumstances.
As Chairperson of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), Hon. Ocloo appealed to residents to act responsibly by refraining from making prank calls and avoiding the sharing of unverified flood-related content.
She stressed that every false emergency report occupies vital communication lines, delays response times, and could prevent emergency teams from reaching people who urgently require assistance. Similarly, she noted that outdated flood videos can mislead the public, create fear, and complicate emergency response operations.
The Regional Minister urged 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. She also called for continued cooperation with emergency and security agencies managing the impact of the floods.
Hon. Ocloo assured residents that their safety, security, and well-being remain the Council’s highest priority and reiterated GARCC’s commitment to working closely with all relevant agencies to safeguard lives and property while ensuring an effective and coordinated response to the flooding situation across the region.
