The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has issued a warning to religious leaders against making misleading prophecies for 2022 warning that the punishments await defaulters.
In a statement which was obtained by Africa Daily News, New York titled ‘Communication of prophecies and their legal implication‘, the security agency to warn clerics against instilling fear in people’s minds under the guise of making new year prophesies.
The GPS opined that misleading prophecies have resulted in public tensions, anxiety and panic among citizens.
Pointing out that religious groups have the liberty of freedom of worship and free speech, they must respect for the rights and freedoms of others.
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The police recalled how, over the years, prophecies of harm and death put the lives of many in danger.
The press release said under Ghanaian law, it is a crime to publish or reproduce a statement, rumours or report likely to cause fear and alarm.
It is also a crime to send out false or misleading information likely to prejudice the efficiency of life saving service or to endanger the safety of any person.
The police reminded the public that anyone found guilty under the laws could be liable to a term of imprisonment of up to five years.
‘We therefore wish to caution all Ghanaians, especially religious groups and leaders to treasures in their uttrance, especially how they communicate prophecies, which may injure the right of other and the public interest.
‘The Ghana Police Service wishes to place on record that the police are not against prophecies; we acknowledge at we Ghanaian are religious people who known, and believe in, has centrality of God in our lives’, the GPS added.
Africa Daily News, New York understands that New Year prophesies is something that is very common in most African countries which many people often look forward to.
AFRICA DAILY NEWS, NEW YORK
