Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, the Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, has responded to criticism from veteran journalist and Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, over the government’s proposal to review certain religious prophecies.
In a statement that has generated significant public debate, Afriyie Ankrah’s office urged religious leaders across the country to formally report prophecies or spiritual revelations of national importance, especially those relating to political figures, governance, national security, or public stability, to the Office of the Presidential Envoy for review and possible escalation.
The proposal has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from Kwesi Pratt, who questioned how such spiritual revelations could be “reviewed” by a government office.
“Is he going to give God a call?” he asked during an appearance on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo morning show.
Responding to the concerns in an interview on Metro TV, Afriyie Ankrah clarified that the directive does not apply to all prophecies, but only those with potential implications for national security.
“Even the Bible asks us to test the spirit. There are competent, credible, proven men and women of God in this country. We work with all of them,” he averted.
However, during the same Metro TV segment, where Kwesi Pratt was as a panelist, the ace journalist again challenged Afriyie Ankrah, pressing for specifics on how such spiritual claims would be assessed by the state.
In response, Afriyie Ankrah said, “The point is that you don’t believe in it, so you don’t understand it. I’m quoting scripture for those who believe. It says: ‘Do not despise prophecies, but test it all.’ 1 John 4:1-6 also talks about testing the spirit.”
He added that the initiative is intended to prevent the misuse of religious platforms to spread fear, misinformation, or destabilizing messages.
“We’re trying to curb a situation where people can say anything under the guise of prophecy without accountability. We have competent people who can support us in this process,” he said.
