Ghana Police warns faith leaders against harmful new year prophecies

In a new order, faith leaders in Ghana have been cautioned by police not to make customary New Year prophecies that could result in fear, anxiety, or even death.

In a statement, the police said that the rights of others must not be violated by the right of freedom and worship. The order, according to critics, breaches the constitutional right to freedom of religion and is thus unlawful.

Every year the pastors make proclamations about the new year in the church which is attended by millions of Christians. The messages often include both optimistic predictions and dire predictions. Meanwhile, the local news site My Joy Online reported that last year massive anxiety was created among the public by predictions of deaths and calamity.


The police thanked religious organisations for their "cooperation" and for "adopting legally permissible channels for disseminating prophecies," according to a statement. However, lawyer Sammy Darko claimed that the police order was "illegal."



The lawyer further said that the highest court in Ghana has ruled that it is not even up to discussion or interpretation. The police administration in Ghana is not given any authority by law to control predictions in the nation.

He added that religious freedom is much more than 'freedom of worship' inside a church or a mosque. It indicates that people are not required to go against their beliefs and values to conform to culture or government unless it violates a specific law. Meanwhile, the Ghana police have mentioned that they have opted for December 27 as Prophecy Communication Compliance Day.

FAQs:

1. What have faith leaders in Ghana warned about?
   The faith leaders in Ghana have been cautioned by police not to make customary New Year prophecies that could result in fear, anxiety, or even death.
2. What happens every year about the new year in churches in Ghana?
   Every year the pastors make proclamations about the new year in the church which is attended by millions of Christians.