Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, has cautioned prophets and spiritual leaders that those who ignore the newly issued national directive on the handling of prophecies will be subjected to public scrutiny and judgment.

Speaking on Citi FM on Monday, August 11, Mr Afriyie Ankrah explained that while the directive carries no legal sanctions, the court of public opinion will serve as a strong deterrent.

“There is nothing like an arrest when they defy the directive, but society will judge them if they don’t obey. They used to complain that they did not have access to victims, and now they have been given access,” he stated.

In a statement issued on Sunday, 10 August, the Office of the Presidential Envoy urged religious leaders across the country to present any prophecy or spiritual revelation of national significance to its office for prompt review.

The directive is particularly concerned with revelations relating to high-profile political figures, governance, national security, and matters that could affect public order and stability.

This move comes in the wake of a surge in prophecies circulating on social media following the 6 August military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, which claimed the lives of eight prominent individuals.

The victims included Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; and NDC Vice-Chairman Samuel Sarpong.

Also on board were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

On Sunday, 10 August, Ghanaians paid their respects to Dr Murtala Muhammed and Muniru Mohammed ahead of a state funeral for all victims, scheduled for Friday, 15 August, at the Black Star Square.