Ahead of the 31st December watch night celebrations, the Ghana Police Service (GPS) has issued a warning against illegal communications of prophecies.
The service in a statement entreated the general public, especially prophets and pastors, to be measured in delivering their prophecies.
“A year ago today, December 27, 2021, the Ghana Police Service drew the attention of the general public, especially members of the religious community to the law regarding the communication of prophecies and urged compliance to the law to ensure continuous security and law and order in the country.
“We wish to commend the public, particularly religious groups, for their cooperation over the period by being circumspect and conscious of the law and adopting legally acceptable means of communicating prophecies to those affected,” the statement.
It has become a trend in the country that on the last day of the year (i.e 31st December), pastors and prophets issue prophesies with regards to events that will happen in the coming year. Most of these proclamations are doom prophecies that create fear and panic, especially for those targeted at.
However, last year the Ghana Police Service cautioned churches to be mindful of such activities since they can attract sanctions including a prison term of up to five years.
The Police service has indicated that the caution “has contributed greatly in creating an environment where people are able to freely profess their faith without unnecessary anxiety and fear of impending harm or death.”
GPS, thus, commended religious leaders for complying with the directive.
“Ghana is indeed grateful to the religious leaders in particular and the religious community as a whole for their patriotic understanding of the situation.
“As the year 2022 draws to a close, we wish to once again entreat the general public, especially faith-based groups to ensure continuous compliance with the law as it relates to the communication of prophecies.
“Let us continue to remember that whereas we have the right to practise our faith in religion, freedom of worship and speech, this right must not be exercised in violation of the rights of others and the public interest,” the statement signed by the Director of Police Public Affairs at the service, Grace Ansah Akrofi, said.
The statement added that “as part of sustaining the gains made so far, the Police Service has adopted 27th December of each year as the Prophecy Communication Compliance Day. This day is being set aside to remind all of us, to practise our faith within the confines of the law to ensure a safe, secure environment, free of anxiety generated from predictions of impending harm, danger, or death.
“We wish to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.”
Source: The Independent Ghana