The National Peace Council has called on Ghanaians to desist from taking the law into their own hands in an attempt to vent their spleen over so-called doomsday prophecies in the country.
The Council in a statement also condemned such prophecies that seem to be igniting some disquiet among a section of Ghanaians.
“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.”
“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 statement signed by Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Asante, Board Chairman of the National Peace Council stated.
Some youth on Wednesday attacked the Odorkor branch of Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah’s Glorious Word and Power Ministries International in Accra.
Rev Owusu Bempah had predicted on New Year’s eve that some Ghanaian political and religious leaders, including the Chief Imam, Sheik Nuhu Sharabutu would die in 2019.
His prophecy did not go down well with a section of Ghanaians who issued a warning to Rev. Owusu Bempah to retract the prophecy or face their wrath.
They then stormed the church premises at Odorkor on Wednesday, wielding cutlasses and vandalizing parts of the property.
Plastic chairs, an organ and some windows in the church building were damaged.
The Office of the Chief Imam subsequently condemned the destruction.
Owusu Bempah’s church gets police protection
The Odorkor branch of Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah’s Glorious Word and Power Ministries International in Accra is under police protection after the vandalism on Wednesday.
Personnel from the Odorkor Police Station and the Accra Regional Police Command stood watch on Wednesday evening to prevent any further destruction at the church premises.
The Peace Council also urged the media to desist from giving such supposed prophets their platforms.
Ghanaians who patronize services of such supposed prophets were also urged to stop attending such churches.
“The Council also appeals to citizens to restrain themselves from patronizing 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 added.
Below is the full statement from the National Peace Council:
RECENTRELIGIOUS PROPHESIES
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. 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 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 statesthat “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.
Our forebears and leaders, have endeavoured to keep Ghana in harmony and 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 includethe 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.
Thank you and May God continue to bless Ghana with his eternal peace!!!
Signed
Most Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Asante
