The Ghana Police Service has cautioned Ghanaians especially religious groups and leaders to be cautious in their end of year pronouncements, especially how they communicate prophecies to their members and the general public.
The Police Service stated that such utterances during the watch night services, if done without caution, may injure the rights of others as well as the public’s interest.
In a communique by the Police Service, it indicated that over the years, communication of prophecies of harm, danger and death, by some religious leaders, have created tension and panic in the Ghanaian society and has put the lives of many people in fear and danger and as such must be done cautiously.
“As the year 2021 draws to a close, the Ghana Police Service wishes to draw the attention of Ghanaians, especially religious groups, to the fact that whereas we have the right to religion, freedom of worship and free speech, all of these rights are subject to the respect for the rights and freedoms of others according to our laws”.
Ghana Police Service
The Police Service also cautioned against false reportage likely to cause harm in the course of the prophecy as has been the case with some previous prophecies.
“We want to caution that under Ghanaian law, it is a crime for a person to publish or reproduce a statement, rumor 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, rumor or report is true”.
Ghana Police Service
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Electronic communication of false information, a crime
According to the Police Service, 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”.
Ghana Police Service
The Police service also put on record that the Police are not against prophecies and acknowledge that Ghanaians are religious people who know and believe in the centrality of God in their lives.
The Service assured all religious organizations that it is committed to ensuring maximum security during the 31st December night, end of year services and beyond.
“There should be no apprehensions therefore about undertaking the various activities. We ask only that everyone keeps within the law and is mindful of the welfare of each other”.
Ghana Police Service
Touching on the measures to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the Service urged all Ghanaians to observe the COVID-19 protocols religiously so as to protect themselves, families and friends from the ravaging pandemic.
“We also take this opportunity to wish all Ghanaians a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year”.
Ghana Police Service
Over the years, the nation has witnessed some violent acts which were as a result of what is believed to have been false prophecies by certain men of God. Notable amongst them is the head Pastor of Glorious Word Power Ministry, Reverend Owusu-Bempah, whose prophesy about the death of the national Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Sharabutu, led to some violent acts from the Muslim youth resulting in the destruction of some church properties.
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