Religious leaders and prophets who engage in false prophecies are likely to be jailed for 5 years if found guilty, the Ghana Police Service has announced.
Also, the police have stressed that persons who disseminate false prophecies on social media will also receive the same punishment.
Even though the police respect the right to religion, freedom of worship, and free speech, it added all these rights are subject to respect the rights and freedoms of others according to our laws.
A statement signed by Supt. Alexander Kwaku Obeng, Director of Public Affairs, the police assured all religious organizations that it will ensure maximum security during the 31st December night, end of year services, and beyond.
It further urged Ghanaians to observe the COVID-19 protocols religiously to protect ourselves, families, and friends from the pandemic.
An example of this was in December 2018, where 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.
With this in mind, the police warned further that “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,” the statement added.
A person found guilty under these laws could be liable to a term of imprisonment of up to five years.
Full statement below:
Source: Mybrytnewsroom/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
