The Ghana Police Service has advised prophets in Ghana to practice their faith within the confines of the law.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs of the Service, Grace Ansah-Akrofi to mark Prophesy Communication Compliance Day which falls today, December 27.
“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,” aspects of the statement read.
The Service said, this will guarantee the needed peace 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 Service noted.
The Police reminded 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.”
The directive forms part of efforts to control the rate at which some men of God, especially prophets put fear into Ghanaians through prophecies. The Police therefore reminded the general public, especially the religious community, of the law on Publication of false news and urged everyone to ensure continuous compliance with it.
The Police expressed gratitude to faith-based groups and individuals, for their compliance with the law so far, particularly in communicating prophecies and noted that it has fostered a society free of needless panic, fear, and alarm.
The Police Service used the opportunity to “wish everyone Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year,”
This directive, which was first issued in 2021, prevented prophets in Ghana from announcing prophecies in the manner they did hitherto.
For instance, Founder and Leader of the Prophetic Chapel Hill Prophet, Nigel Gaisie said he delivered some of his prophecies for the year 2021 in a manner that wouldn’t disregard the directive given by the Police.
He substituted the name of Ghana with ‘Umofia’ and prophesied what would happen in the country.
After delivering all his prophecies on the 31st night, he told his congregation that “These are the only prophecies I have for you, if I have seen death and you don’t want me to tell you that is ok, I won’t be used as the scapegoat.”
The Leader of the Glorious Word Power Ministries Rev. Owusu Bempah who was also unhappy with the directive cautioned the Inspector General of Police against enforcing laws on prophets and their activities in Ghana.
“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.
He added that Dr Dampare’s actions might breed dire consequences on the nation.
“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.”
December 31 is barely four days away. It remains to be seen whether the renowned prophets will comply with this directive.