The Resident Pastor of Christ Bible Ministry International, Rev. Ofori Jacob, has dismissed the concerns raised by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare, regarding the communication of prophecies by religious leaders as the year comes to a close.
In an effort to curb the trend of some religious leaders, particularly prophets, instilling fear in Ghanaians through prophecies, the Police issued a reminder this week about the law on the publication of false news, urging compliance from the general public, especially the religious community.
While acknowledging the right to practice faith and freedom of speech, the Police emphasized that these rights should be exercised with respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest.
“The Police would 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 Police statement said.
In response, Rev. Ofori Jacob, in an interview with GHOne News, asserted that the Inspector-General of Police does not hold the mandate to regulate spiritual affairs in Ghana.
He highlighted that there are existing regulations that guide the conduct of the body of Christ within the national framework.
According to Rev. Ofori Jacob, the IGP aims to bring order and sanity into the system. However, he emphasized that in matters concerning the church, the ultimate authority is the Lord Jesus Christ, who directs the course of action.
While acknowledging the need for regulation and streamlining in the church, he reiterated that the IGP is not the regulator of spiritual affairs in the country.
“He is an enforcer of law and when it comes to spirituality, he has not been given that mandate in Ghana. There are regulations that bring the body of Christ to where the nation as it were will want us to be. The IGP just wants to bring, as they say, sanity into the system.
“But mind you, when it comes to the church, the Lord Jesus Christ is the Head and he directs what must be done. Of course, we are in a generation that when people begin to see the world as it was coming at the church so strong, it is good. We are trying to regulate and streamline things, however, the IGP is not the regulator of spiritual affairs.