Pastors and faith leaders in Ghana have been cautioned by police not to make customary New Year prophesies that might result in dread, worry, or even death.
This comes at a time when many African nations have seen an upsurge in the proliferation of churches.
According to a statement from the police, the right to freedom of religion must not infringe on the rights of others.
The edict, according to critics, breaches the fundamental right to freedom of religion and is thus unlawful.
Christians from all around the world frequently congregate in churches to hear sermons from their pastors about the next year.
The messages frequently include both upbeat predictions and dire warnings of impending doom. Over the years, many of the prophecies have failed to capture any of the actual realities of the new year.
For instance, many pastors have been criticised for failing to predict the onslaught of COVID-19 and its impact in 2020, despite the virus being around at the end of 2019.
According to the police, December 27 has been designated as Prophecy Communication Compliance Day.
“This day is being set aside to remind all of us to practice our faith within the confines of the law to ensure a safe, secure environment, free of anxiety generated from predictions of impending harm, danger or death,” the statement said.
Photo Credit: Archive