The Ghana Police Service has threatened to prosecute any religious leader whose prophesy could spark panic and controversy and its likely to disturb the public peace in the country.

According to the Police, the same fate also awaits all who publish such information or share same via electronic means, especially where the said communication has the potential to cause fear and alarm to the public or endanger lives.

“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 is also a crime for a person, by means of electronic communications service, 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.”

“A person found guilty under these laws could be liable to a term of imprisonment of up to five years.”

The Police noted that over the years the prophecies of prejudice, danger and death by some religious leaders have caused a lot of tension and panic within Ghanaian society, hence the warning against such prophecies.

Meanwhile, police have said they are committed to ensuring maximum security during the night shift on December 31.

The service urged Ghanaians to be mindful of each other’s well-being and to act within the law.