Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, has clarified that a recent government directive requiring religious leaders to submit prophecies of national importance is not an attempt to limit freedom of worship, but rather a proactive measure to safeguard national security and stability.
Speaking in an interview with Accra-based Joy FM, Mr. Ankrah explained that the directive is not intended to stifle religious expression or silence prophets.
Instead, it aims to ensure that sensitive revelations—particularly those involving national leaders or public safety—are handled responsibly and reviewed appropriately before being made public.
“Every man or woman of God has the right to prophesy.
There’s no issue with that.
But if the prophecy concerns the President, Vice President, or has serious national security implications, it should be submitted to our office so it can be assessed quickly and responded to appropriately,” Ankrah said.
Citing scripture, Ankrah noted that even the Bible encourages believers to examine prophetic messages carefully. He referenced 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21—“Do not treat prophecies with contempt, but test them all.
Hold on to what is good”—and 1 John 4:1, which advises Christians to “test the spirits.” He emphasized that the aim is not censorship, but discernment.
“This is not a negative move,” he added. “It’s about acting wisely on what God may be revealing, in a way that upholds national peace and prevents unnecessary fear or chaos.”
He offered a striking analogy: “Imagine if a prophet in the United States declared publicly that Air Force One was about to crash. The kind of panic and reaction that would follow is what we’re trying to avoid.
These things must be handled with wisdom.”
Ankrah reassured religious communities that the Office of Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations will work closely with faith leaders to ensure the directive respects both the constitutional right to worship and the country’s need for security and public order.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has said it is awaiting formal communication from the government regarding the policy and is expected to offer its response once official details are made available.
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