The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has reminded the general public, most especially faith-based groups to practice their faith within the confines of the Laws of the land even as December 31st Watchnight approaches.
GPS, as has been its yearly custom, has agreed to set aside December 27, as the Prophecy Communication Compliance Day each year.
This is to remind the general public to practice faith within the Ghanaian law bracket to ensure safety, security and soundness of mind.
“As part of sustaining the gains made so far, the Police Service has adopted 27th December of each year as the Prophecy Communication Compliance Day. This day is being set aside to remind all of us, to practice our faith within the confines of the law to ensure a safe, secure environment, free of anxiety generated from predictions of impending harm, danger or death.”
Ghana Police Service
This yearly custom of the GPS started as a result of the police taking action against faith-based organizations that were disseminating predictions of imminent death and disaster to the public, about a year ago.
These predictions were believed to be in violation of the law, which prohibits the public communication of such ominous messages. Those who break this law risk arrest and prosecution.
A good example of such occurrences was when Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah, the head pastor of the Glorious Word and Power Ministry, caused outrage among some Muslims when he made a prophecy saying that the Chief Imam could die in 2019. This statement by the Rev. resulted in the vandalizing of the Odorkor branch of his church.
This action of the Rev. although spiritual, was ethically not right. More so, posed a threat to the citizenry and was against the peace and safety laws governing the land, thus the action of the GPS.
The GPS in a general public address this morning was therefore reminding all to continue the peace and solidarity even as the end of year Watchnight approached so as to avoid conflicts of any kind.
GPS’ Commendation and Appeal to the Public
The GPS commends the public for their immense cooperation over the years to ensure the enforcement of law and order.
“We wish to commend the public, particularly religious groups, for their cooperation over the period by being circumspect and conscious of the law and adopting legally acceptable means of communicating prophecies to those affected.
“This has contributed greatly in creating an environment where people are able to freely profess their faith without unnecessary anxiety and fear of impending harm or death. Ghana is indeed grateful to the religious leaders in particular and the religious community as a whole for their patriotic understanding of the situation.
Ghana Police Service
The GPS in conclusion, again requested from the public further cooperation and compliance this year and advised that individuals in exercising their rights ensure these rights are not exercised in violation of the rights of others.
“As the year 2022 draws to a close, we wish to once again entreat 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 practice our faith in religion, freedom of worship and speech, this right must not be exercised in violation of others and the public interest.”
Ghana Police Service
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