The National Peace Council has condemned “doomsday prophets” for creating fear and panic in predicting the deaths of some high profile personalities in the country, and called for calm following agitations against those prophets.
In a statement issued today in the wake of attacks by a youth group on a church at Odorkor in Accra, after it’s the church’s leader, Rev Owusu Bempah has publicly announced a purported revelation predicting the death of the National Chief Imam and the Vice President, among others, the Peace Council believes there is a need for such prophets to be checked.
“The so called prophesies in the last few days have given all of us concerns to be worried about sustaining the peaceful coexistence among different religious groups in the country,” it said, adding that the actions of the so called prophets breach the human rights and freedoms of the personalities mentioned in the 2019 death prophesy list.
The statement, signed by the Chairman of the National Peace Council (NPC), Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Asante, described the situation as “worrying.”
“The National Peace Council has followed media reports of some religious prophesies and public reactions that have ensued with the potential of generating fear and panic in the country.
“It is worthy of note that Article 21 (c) of the 1992 Constitution, guarantees all persons in Ghana “freedom to practice any religion and to manifest such practice”. However, the provision is qualified by Article 12(2) which states that “every person in Ghana, whatever his race, place of origin, political opinion, colour, religion, creed or gender shall be entitled to the fundamental human rights and freedoms of the individual contained in this Chapter but subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest”
“It is in line with the above constitutional provision that the National Peace Council, condemns in no uncertain terms the so called prophesies making rounds in the media declaring the death of some key statesmen and women in the country. The National Peace Council is deeply concerned, and calls on all religious leaders to conduct their activities with the highest circumspection, and responsibility, to ensure that in the exercise of their religious freedom, they do not undermine and violate the rights of other citizens.
We should not allow few individuals to use their religious platforms to sow seeds of discord and divisions in the country. Religious intolerance and extremism have not established roots in the country yet, largely due to the in-depth and positive socialisation and engagement of Ghanaians of all faiths and the respect we have had for each other’s values and beliefs, for so many years now.
“We, therefore, as a people have a duty to promote those things that have worked for us towards the maintenance of peace and national cohesion over the years.
“These include the promotion of love, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and diversity. We as a people cannot sacrifice these on the altar of religious enthusiasts. The Council is grateful to all affected Statesmen and Women by the so called prophesies for remaining calm in the face of these provocations.
“The National Peace Council appeals to all Ghanaians not to resort to any criminal activity in attempt to respond to these so called prophets. Let us remember that it is always better and productive to use non-violent means to address our issues.
“The Council appeals to the media to restrain themselves as much as possible from giving space to some of these so called prophets whose business may only be to draw attention to themselves.
“The Council also appeals to citizens to restrain themselves from patronising the services of these so called prophets so as not to give them legitimacy and endorsement for the sake of national cohesion and harmony,” the statement said.
By ADR Daily Newsdesk
