Apostle Professor Kwadwo Nimfour Opoku Onyinah, former chairman of the Church of Pentecost, has called on pastors and prophets to avoid making public prophecies about the 2024 presidential election, cautioning that such declarations could sow instability in the country.
In a Facebook post, the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Ghana National Cathedral warned that these prophecies have the potential to incite unrest.
“It is better to keep such prophecies private, rather than airing them publicly and fuelling instability,” he stated.
Prof. Onyinah highlighted how it is common for one pastor to predict the victory of a candidate from one party, while another claims the opposite, creating confusion and tarnishing the name of God.
He further expressed concern about the growing trend of contradictory prophecies, noting that currently, two major streams of prophecy exist in the country, one predicting victory for the NPP flagbearer and the other foretelling success for the NDC flagbearer.
Drawing from biblical examples, such as 2 Kings 8–9, 1 Kings 22:1–40, Jeremiah 37:9–20, and 2 Chronicles 24:20–22, he explained how, historically, individuals have either sought to fulfil favorable prophecies or, in cases of unfavourable prophecies, like those of Zechariah, Micaiah, and Jeremiah, suffered persecution or death.
Prof. Onyinah pointed out that politicians often align themselves with prophets when prophecies favour them, celebrating such predictions, which is a natural human reaction to good news.
However, he questioned whether this trend benefits national development or causes harm. “When two conflicting prophecies are given, one will inevitably fail, creating division and instability. What will happen to our nation after the elections if this continues? Will we not face confusion and disgrace? Why should men of God place the country in such a precarious situation?” he asked.
He appealed to his fellow pastors and prophets to refrain from making divisive public prophecies and encouraged political leaders to continue their campaigns with integrity, trusting that God’s will would unfold in due time, rather than relying on prophetic declarations.
“Though damage has already been done, it is not beyond repair,” Prof. Onyinah said.
He urged all Ghanaians to cast their votes based on their conviction of who can best lead the nation, rather than on prophecies, concluding with a prayer for the well-being of Ghana: “May the Lord bless our homeland Ghana!”
Read the FULL statement below.
The National Peace Council of Ghana recently organised a forum in Accra for prophets, aimed at helping them in handling their prophetic messages responsibly to avoid inciting unrest in the upcoming election. I had the privilege of serving as the facilitator. During our discussions, one prophet raised the concern that politicians in Ghana often show little respect for pastors and prophets, despite seeking their support during election years.
In response, I pointed out that, in many cases, it is we—the pastors and prophets—who may contribute to this lack of respect. For example, it is not uncommon for one pastor to prophesy that a candidate from one party will win, while another pastor claims the victory of an opposing candidate. This kind of contradiction brings disrepute to the name of God and creates confusion. Moreover, such prophecies have the potential to incite unrest in the country. Therefore, it is appropriate to keep these prophecies private, rather than making them public and fuelling instability.
Unfortunately, not all prophets attended the meeting, and these problematic prophecies have become all too common in our country. Currently, we see two major streams of prophecy: one predicting that the NPP flagbearer will win, and the other foretelling victory for the NDC flagbearer. When politicians hear prophecies in their favour, they often align themselves with the prophets, celebrating favourable predictions. It is natural for people to gravitate toward good news about themselves. Even in the Bible, we see examples of individuals who acted to fulfil prophecies that favoured them, such as Jehu and Hazael (e.g. 2 Kings 8–9). Conversely, those who received unfavourable messages, like Zechariah, Micaiah, and Jeremiah, were sometimes mistreated or killed (e.g. 1 Kings 22:1–40; Jeremiah 37:9–20; 2 Chronicles 24:20–22).
But, is this trend helpful? Does it promote national development, or are we simply causing harm? When two divergent prophecies are given, one is bound to fail, and in the current climate, this creates division and instability. What will happen to our nation after the election if this continues? Will we not face confusion and disgrace? Why should the men of God place the nation in such a precarious position?
While damage has already been done, I believe it is not beyond remedy. I appeal to my fellow pastors and prophets: let us refrain from delivering these divisive public prophecies. I also urge political flagbearers and politicians not to cling to these predictions but to continue their campaigns with integrity, trusting that God’s will for their lives will unfold in His time. Finally, I encourage all Ghanaians not to rely on prophecies when casting their votes. Instead, vote for the candidate you believe can lead Ghana effectively in these times.
May the Lord bless our homeland Ghana!
