The Christian Council of Ghana has issued a strong caution to prophets and religious leaders against utilizing pulpits, media platforms, and social media to disseminate false or misleading prophecies that could generate fear, panic, or disturb public peace. This stance was articulated in statements issued on Tuesday, February 24, where the Council underscored the importance of responsible religious practice, balancing constitutional rights with civic duties.

The Council acknowledged the constitutional right to freedom of religion, as guaranteed under Article 21 of the 1992 Constitution. However, it explicitly stated that this freedom is not absolute and must be exercised in a manner consistent with public safety, public order, and the protection of others' rights. Ghanaian law, the Council noted, does not permit the use of religion as a vehicle for fear-mongering or incitement.

In support of its caution, the Christian Council referenced specific legal frameworks. Section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), criminalises the publication of false statements or rumours likely to cause fear, alarm, or disturb public peace, with offenders potentially facing fines or imprisonment for up to five years. Additionally, the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), prohibits the transmission of false or misleading information through electronic platforms that may cause panic. The Council warned that prophets and religious leaders who circulate such messages resulting in public alarm could face prosecution.

Beyond general warnings, the Christian Council of Ghana also raised significant concerns regarding conflicting and troubling political prophecies, particularly those that emerged following the recent New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer primaries. The Council observed that at the conclusion of the polls on January 31, 2026, when former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia was re-elected as the party’s flagbearer, some prophets accurately predicted the outcome while others did not. This discrepancy, they stated, raises serious theological and ethical questions, probing how the same God could reveal different outcomes for the same event to various prophets.

The Council warned that if the nature and manner of political prophecies are not carefully examined, they risk creating the impression that God is inconsistent, indecisive, or even confused. Such portrayals could undermine the credibility of religious belief. Furthermore, the Council questioned whether the prophetic focus has become too narrow, primarily concentrating on election outcomes. Instead, they urged prophets and religious leaders to redirect their voices towards confronting critical societal issues such as corruption, nepotism, intolerance, poor governance, and public suffering, including preventable deaths caused by the “no bed syndrome” in hospitals.

The Christian Council of Ghana called for decorum, theological integrity, and ethical responsibility in religious practice. It encouraged leaders to promote peace, tolerance, patriotism, and environmental stewardship, rather than circulating messages that add no value to society. The Council also highlighted that authentic prophecy must withstand scriptural scrutiny, promote the common good, and denounce wrongdoing. While the CCG does not exercise oversight over all prophets in the country—noting that many are not affiliated with ecumenical bodies like the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) or the National Association of Charismatic and Christian Churches (NACCC), making coordinated regulation challenging—its message remains clear.

As Christians observe Lent and Muslims mark Ramadan, the Council encouraged reflection on advancing socio-economic justice and national prosperity, reinforcing its plea for a more sanitised and responsible religious environment in 2026 and beyond.