31st December Night Services used to be characterized with doom prophecies over the years.
But this year's service will not be the same because the Ghana Police Service has sent a strong warning to Churches ahead of the 31st Night Service.
According to the Police Service, they will go after and prosecute any religious leader who will prophesy harm, danger and death of any individual or group without proof of the prophecy being true.
The same fate also awaits all who publish such information or share same via electronic means, especially where the said communication has the potential to cause fear and alarm to the public or endanger lives.
“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.
“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.”
While the Police Service has insisted that it is not against prophecies and has time and again acknowledged the public’s right to religion, freedom of worship and free speech, it has also pointed to the fact that the rights are subject to laws.
“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.
Reactions from pastors
The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has supported the directive by the Police Administration to religious leaders to desist from publishing prophetic messages that could harm others and disturb the public peace.
The General Secretary of GPCC, the Reverend Emmanuel T. Barrigah has told the Ghana News Agency that the call by the Police Administration was in order.
"Prophecies in themselves are expected to edify and glorify God and where there is the need to also rebuke those who might have fallen foul of the law of God, we should not hesitate to do so," he said.
"Where prophecies become a threat or become a prediction of death and harm, there is a question mark on those kinds of prophecies."
But Prophet Nigel Gaisie, founder and leader of the Prophetic Hill Chapel somewhat disagreed with the directive but said they will abide by it.
He said he already has 42 prophecies for the country which he would release during the watch night service.
“Prophecy was and is and will forever be. Personally, I think modern day prophets are law abiding so we will go by what they (police) are suggesting,” he said.