The police have reminded religious groups and leaders to be measured in the communication of end-of-year prophecies that could spark panic and controversy in Ghana.
With the public interest in mind ahead of December 31 watch night services which are often used by men of God to deliver prophecies, the police warned that religious freedom is still subject to Ghana’s laws.
Police in a statement commended the various religious groups for their cooperation over the period.
It further entreated 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.”
An example of such prophecies was in December 2018, when the head pastor of the Glorious Word and Power Ministry, Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah incurred the wrath of some Muslims after a prophecy that the Chief Imam could die in 2019.
The Odorkor branch of his church was vandalised as a result of the prophecy.
It is a crime for a person to publish or reproduce a statement, rumour or report which is likely to cause fear and alarm to the public or to disturb the public peace, where that person has no evidence to prove that the statement, rumour or report is true.
It is also a crime for a person, by means of electronic communications service, to knowingly send a communication that is false or misleading and likely to prejudice the efficiency of life-saving service or to endanger the safety of any person.
A person found guilty under these laws could be liable to a term of imprisonment of up to five years.
Read the full statement below:
