IGP did not say don’t prophesy, he said don’t break the law – Private legal practitioner
Mr Kofi Bentil, a private legal practitioner, has advised Men of God who have an issue with Pastors being cautioned from publishing doom prophesies that the caution did not mean they should not prophesy.
Some preachers had expressed their displeasure with the police’s prudence. For example, Prophet Isaac Owusu Bempah, the founder and head of Glorious Word Power Ministry International, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, COP Dr George Akuffo Dampare, to invite men of God who believe in predictions to give him an “adequate briefing” on prophetic ministry.
Mr. Owusu Bempah believes the IGP issued the order prohibiting the publication of death prophesies after receiving a briefing from pastors who did not believe in prophetic ministry.
Prior to the New Year’s Eve ceremonies, the Ghanaian police warned religious leaders to be cautious in their statements, especially in how they transmit prophecies.
“We want to caution that under Ghanaian law, it is a crime for a person to publish or reproduce a statement, rumour or report which is likely to cause fear and alarm to the public or to disturb the public peace, where that person has no evidence to prove that the statement, rumour or report is true,” the police warned in a statement issued on Monday, December 27 2021.
“It is also a crime for a person, by means of electronic communications service, to knowingly send a communication that is false or misleading and likely to prejudice the efficiency of life-saving service or to endanger the safety of any person,” the statement signed by Superintendent Alexander Obeng, the Director of Public Affairs of the Ghana Police Service, added.
“A person found guilty under these laws could be liable to a term of imprisonment of up to five years.”
The police also confessed that they are not opposed to predictions, especially in a country where God is so important in many people’s lives.
“There should be no apprehensions, therefore, about undertaking the various activities.
“We ask only that everyone keeps within the law and is mindful of the welfare of each other.”
The directive has however generated a lot of controversies among some believers.
However, Mr Bentil, who is also the Vice President of Imani Africa, commented on the development, saying, “IGP hasn’t stated don’t prophecy.” Just be sure it’s not against the law!! It’s not a prophecy if it’s unlawful; it’s a crime.
He added that “If your problem is that your prophecy is potentially illegal then please your Bible says the Spirit of the Prophet is subject to the Prophet so exercise order!! For God is not the author of confusion !! You cannot have a problem with a caution to do what’s right!!”
Source: Richard Mensah Adonu | Join our Telegram Group
