Ghana Police Service Monday warned religious leaders against making misleading prophecies for 2022.
Ravenewsonline reports that in a statement titled “Communication of prophecies and their legal implication”, the security agency cautioned clerics against instilling fear in people’s minds.
According to the Ghana Police Service, false prophecies have caused public tensions, anxiety, and panic among citizens.
While religious groups have the freedom of worship and free speech, they must also respect the rights and freedoms of others.
The cops recalled how, over the years, prophecies of harm and death had put many people’s lives in danger.
According to the press release, it is a crime in Ghana to publish or reproduce a statement, rumor, or report that is likely to cause fear and alarm.
It is also a crime to disseminate false or misleading information that could jeopardize the effectiveness of life-saving services or endanger the safety of any person.
The police reminded the public that anyone found guilty under the laws could face up to five years in prison.
“As a result, we wish to caution all Ghanaians, particularly religious groups and leaders, to treasures in their uttrance, particularly how they communicate prophecies that may injure the rights of others and the public interest.”
“The Ghana Police Service wishes to state unequivocally that the police are not opposed to prophecies; we recognize that we Ghanaians are religious people who are aware of, and believe in, the centrality of God in our lives,” the GPS added.
