Law on harmful prophecies still in force - Police to pastors
The Police has issued a reminder that the law on publication of false news was still in force, and has cautioned faith-based organisations to take note and desist from engaging in the numerous usual New Year eve's public prophesies.
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The law forbids the public communication of evil prophecies, particularly of deaths and harm with the potential to lead to the breakdown of law and order.
The police in a statement dated December 27, 2023 said the law has protected the rights and freedoms of those who are normally affected by these prophecies, adding that it has also fostered a society free of needless panic, fear and alarm.
“The Police will like to remind the public that while we have the right to practice our faith and freedom of speech as guaranteed by our constitution and democratic values, we want to reiterate that the enjoyment of these rights are subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest," the statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi said.
Attached below is a copy of the statement:
POLICE REMINDER ON PROPHECY COMMUNICATION1. As the year comes to an end, the Ghana Police Service respectfully wishes to remind the general public, especially the religious community, of the law on Publication of false news and urges its continuous compliance.
2. We are grateful to faith-based groups and individuals, for their compliance with the law so far, particularly in communicating prophecies. While this has protected the rights and freedoms of those who are normally affected by these prophecies, it has also fostered a society free of needless panic, fear and alarm.
3. We urge the general public especially faith-based groups and individuals to continue to be patriotic and abide by the law, to ensure that the prevailing state of law, order and security in our beloved country is maintained.
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4. The Police will like to remind the public that while we have the right to practice our faith and freedom of speech as guaranteed by our constitution and democratic values, we want to reiterate that the enjoyment of these rights are subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest.
5. As we have come to consider December 27th as Prophecy Communication Compliance Day, the Ghana Police Service is once again urging religious communities to practice their faith within the legal framework.
6. In the spirit of theseason, we wish everyone Merry Chrismas and a Prosperous New Year
Related article:
Lawyer Sammy Gyamfi writes on the attempt by the police to regulate and criminalize prophesies
IGP Dampare on why he will not allow national fear and panic under guise of prophecy
