Police send warning to churches ahead of 31st night

The Ghana Police Service has sent out a reminder to all churches to desist from prophesying fear and panic during their 31^st December watch night services. This is a follow-up from last year’s directive which forced churches to lower down on the outrageous prophecies that included the deaths of prominent figures.

According to the statement signed by ACP Grace Ansah-Akroffi, the police remind all churches to be wary of their utterances while practising their freedom of speech.

“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.”

Per the police, compliance with the directive will eliminate the fear and panic that often follows the days after the observance of the 31^st watch night by churches.

“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.”

“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.

“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.”

Meanwhile, the police have declared December 27 as Prophecy Communication and Compliance Day. This makes the 27th of every December a dedicated day for the Service to communicate this reminder to the general public.

“As we have come to consider December 27^th as Prophecy Communication Compliance Day, the Ghana Police Service is once again urging religious communities to practice their faith within the legal framework.”