Dampare
The year 2021 ended without the usual scary prophecies about deaths, diseases and other negative afflictions by persons noted for such predictions.
The reason for the foregone is because the IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has warned such persons to be measured in how they go about the pastime at that time of the year lest they infringe the law in which case the law enforcement department would descend upon them.
The Police Administration’s warning about the doomsday prophecies dashed the hope of Ghanaians who readied themselves to listen to the predictions which features on 31st night. With the police monitoring social media and the movements of the pastors noted for such prophecies, the warning appears to have achieved its goal of ensuring decency in the twilight of 2021.
Obviously expecting such prophecies, the Police Administration a few days before the year ended issued a statement demanding of the religious leaders to be measured in their utterances lest they infringe upon the rights and interests of others.
“The Ghana Police Service wishes to draw the attention of Ghanaians, especially religious groups, to the fact that whereas we have the right to religion, freedom of worship and free speech, all of these rights are subject to the respect for the rights and freedoms of others according to our laws,” the statement said.
The statement noted that over the years such prophecies about harm, danger or even death have tended to create tension and panic among citizens.
“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 added.
It is a crime, the Police Administration stated, for a person, by means of electronic communications 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.
Such breaches, the police noted, could have those found guilty liable to a term of imprisonment of up to five years.
“We therefore wish to caution all Ghanaians, especially religious groups and leaders to be measured in their utterances, especially how they communicate prophecies, which may injure the right of others and the public interest,” the statement noted.
The Police Administration kept their word of ensuring that Ghanaians enjoyed the Yuletide and the New Year by providing adequate protection to residences and places of worship.
By A.R. Gomda