Police Begin Hunting For Persons Spreading False Info About Covid-19

The Ghana Police Service has commenced investigation to arrest persons spreading false information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the country.

On Monday, April 13, 2020, it was shared on various social media platforms that the number of confirmed cases had shot up to 1064. At the time the news was being spread, the Ghana Health Service official website designated for the update on COVID-19 had reported 566 confirmed cases on its portal.

Having cited the FAKE news, the Ghana Health Service has reported the matter to the Ghana Police. The security agency is now hunting for persons who spread false news for sanctioning.

“The attention of the Ghana Health service has been drawn to a false rumor that was circulated on social media about a surge in the number of COVID - 19 cases to 1064 on Monday night, 13th April 2020”, a statement signed by ACP David Ekloo who is the Deputy Communications Director at the Ghana police service said.

The Ghana Police Service is urging persons who engaged in spreading the false news to report themselves to the nearest Police Stations as it calls on the general public to also assist in the arrest of persons sharing false information during this crisis.

“The Ghana police advises these persons to report themselves to the nearest police station or BNI office close to you. Failure to do so will result in your arrest, detention, and prosecution. The general public is further advised to assist in the arrest of any persons sharing such false information”, the statement added.

Read the full statement below:

GHANA POLICE SERVICE HQ

WARRANT OF ARREST FOR PERSONS SPREADING FALSE INFORMATION

The attention of the Ghana Health service has been drawn to a false rumor that was circulated on social media about a surge in the number of covid - 19 cases to 1064 on Monday night, 13th April 2020

Persons of unknown identity have been circulating this on different media platforms accross the country. The ripple effect of such false alarms are that it tends to create fear and panic to the national populace and would not be condoned. A legislative instrument was issued with a warning that any persons found circulating false information on social media will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the country are. The Ghana police service has therefore been mandated to track and arrest the identities behind the following phone numbers; These persons were found spreading false information on whatsapp groups

+233 24 208 6395

+233 24 820 3223

+233 24 900 6285

+233 24 207 4111

+233 54 726 4034

+233 24 463 8985

+233 24 933 8491

+233 24 603 7910

+233 24 672 1427

+233 24 207 4111

+233 24 940 5807

The Ghana police advises these persons to report themselves to the nearest police station or BNI office close to you. Failure to do so will result in your arrest, detention and prosecution. The general public is further advised to assist in the arrest of any persons sharing such false information

Signed

David Ekloo

Deputy communications director

Ghana police service

Cc:

DG, Ghana health service

All police posts accross the country