Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has cautioned against the growing trend of so-called “doom prophecies” in Ghana, warning that they can have severe psychological and social consequences on individuals and paralyse the victim.
Speaking on TV3, Tameklo said the constant public declarations of impending misfortune — often made by self-proclaimed prophets — can instil fear, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness in their targets.
His reactions come after the Office of the Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, Office of the President, urged all ecumenical heads to inform all prophets, men and women of God (pastors) under their oversight to relay prophecies or spiritual insight of national interest to the office.
It is to ensure that, especially, prophecies with implications for high-profile political leaders, governance, national security, or public stability are urgently reviewed and appropriately handled.
A statement issued by Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, Office of the President, said this was also in the spirit of responsibility, discernment, and stewardship over the nation’s destiny.
This was to strengthen national coordination on spiritual matters, especially in these times of uncertainty and complexity.
The statement, in light of the tragic accident that occurred recently, which claimed lives and involved government officials, military personnel, and the National Democratic Congress Party executives, further requested the intense prayers of the men and women of God for President John Mahama.
It also requested intense prayers for the Government and all State institutions, the bereaved families, and the entire nation.
Edudzi Tameklo, speaking on the development, said doom prophecies present the danger of paralysing people with fear.
He said “I grew up in the ARS church; they would call you and tell you the revelation they had about you. The situation today is a bit different. I don’t think I have the competence to judge how these men of God decide to relate specific prophecies about individuals. Like the specific directive from my senior brother indicates, if you have specific prophecies for, say, me, the office has my number. Once you relate to us, we can reach out to me and say this prophecy has come, take it seriously or get back to this man of God. The danger is that, if you are not careful, it will paralyse you. When you have received a prophecy that if you travel, you will die, you may not be able to perform your role.”
