The police have noted that the legislation against the dissemination of doom prophecies has effectively safeguarded the rights and freedoms of individuals typically impacted by such predictions.
Additionally, the police emphasize that this legal measure has contributed to fostering a society devoid of unwarranted panic, fear, and alarm.
In a bid to regulate the prevalence of alarming prophecies, particularly from certain religious leaders, the police have issued a reminder to the general public, especially the religious community, regarding the law on the publication of false news. They urge continuous compliance with this law.
Expressing gratitude to faith-based groups and individuals for their adherence to the law, particularly in the communication of prophecies, the police encourage the public to remain patriotic and abide by the law to uphold the prevailing state of law, order, and security in the country.
“We urge the general public especially faith-based groups and individuals to continue to be patriotic and abide by the law, to ensure that the prevailing state of law, order and security in our beloved country is maintained. The Police will like to remind the public that while we have the right to practice our faith and freedom of speech as guaranteed by our constitution and democratic values, we want to reiterate that the enjoyment of these rights are subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest.
“As we have come to consider December 27th as Prophecy Communication Compliance Day, the Ghana Police Service is once again urging religious communities to practice their faith within the legal framework. In the spirit of the season, we wish everyone Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year,” the statement said.
The police underline that while individuals have the right to practice their faith and enjoy freedom of speech, these rights are subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest.
Designating December 27th as Prophecy Communication Compliance Day, the Ghana Police Service urges religious communities to practice their faith within the legal framework.
In the spirit of the season, the police wish everyone Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
Since the issuance of this directive in 2021, prophets have adjusted their approach to delivering prophecies.
For instance, Prophet Nigel Gaisie delivered his prophecies for 2021 in a manner that adhered to the police directive.
He emphasized that those were the only prophecies he had for the year and respected the directive against publishing death prophecies.
“I read it somewhere that you have to bring material evidence of the prophecy. Who has ever dreamt and has material evidence of your dream? The greater component of prophecy is a dream. What they are saying doesn’t wash but for me, we will have a way.
“We will cross, I will prophesy in all confidence, there will not be any shadow of doubt that, I will speak the mind of God. Personally, I am not one of the cowards, I have been called by God, I have an assignment and whoever is coming after the church is making a big mistake,” he told TV3 in an interview.
Despite initial defiance, some prophets, like Rev. Owusu Bempah, expressed dissatisfaction with the directive.
He cautioned against enforcing laws on prophets and their activities, arguing that prophecy will outlive the current era. “Mr, Dampare, you came to meet prophecy and prophecy will outlive your era. I have no issue with you but don’t bring your issues to prophets. If someone commits an illegality deal with him or her but don’t touch the prophets,” he said.
“I’m pleading with you, don’t touch pastors, preachers, prophets and anything Christians alone. Leave Christians alone. Muslims also prophesy. You work for the government and will be paid by the government so leave me alone to focus on my work because my reward is in heaven.”
Other prophets are gearing up to deliver their forecasts for 2024 as the end of 2023 approaches.