Rev. Dr. Opuni-Frimpong, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah
Some prominent Christian leaders have openly rejected a new government directive requiring all church leaders to submit prophecies of national significance for official vetting before making them public.
The directive, outlined in an August 10, 2025 letter from the Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, instructs prophets, pastors, and other religious leaders to relay any “spiritual insight of a national nature”, especially those concerning high-profile political leaders, governance, national security, or public stability, to his office for “urgent review and appropriate escalation.”
The measure, according to the letter, is intended to “strengthen national coordination on spiritual matters” and safeguard national stability.
However, some church leaders have denounced the move as a potential infringement on religious freedom and expression.
Former General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, criticised the lack of consultation before issuing the directive.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme, he questioned the credibility of political appointees in evaluating spiritual matters.
“Which people are going to review the prophecy? How does a politician teach pastors what to do? At least consult the clergy before making a public pronouncement,” he said.
Apostle General of Royalhouse Chapel International, Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah, expressed doubts about whether government regulation alone could address concerns surrounding the prophetic ministry.
“We doubt whether regulations alone can bring sanity to this situation. However, if we, the fathers and the church, sit down together, by grace and wisdom, we can sanitise the situation and the system,” he noted.
The General Secretary of Christian Council of Ghana, Rev. Dr. Cyril Fayose, revealed that he has formally requested a meeting with the Presidency next week to discuss the directive.
In a statement dated August 11, the Council reaffirmed its support for national unity and interfaith collaboration, but stressed the need for dialogue and proper consultation.
Meanwhile, former President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Joseph Osei Bonsu, urged the clergy to exercise restraint when delivering prophecies, especially those predicting death or disaster.
“If God has revealed something to you, find the right way to go about it,” he said, adding that biblical prophets guided people toward righteousness rather than repeatedly prophesying doom.
By Prince Fiifi Yorke