I read with delightful admiration, an article written by Nana Kwasi Gyan Apenteng (Immediate Past Chairman of the National Media Commission, NMC) and published in the Wednesday, January 9, 2019 edition of the “Daily Graphic” under the title “The Prophesy Menace – A Media Solution). As Coordinator Member of the Volta Regional Media Advisory Committee (VRMAC) of the NMC, I associate myself absolutely with the views expressed by Nana.
Indeed, the Immediate Past Chairman did quite a lot to bring sanity to the media landscape, and one cannot quickly forget the Content Standard Regulations (LI 2224) passed in December 2015 which seeks empower the NMC to regulate broadcasting and other electronic media content. I have confidence in the ability of the current NMC Chairman, Mr Yaw Boadu Ayeboafo to carry the baton from where Nana Kwasi Gyan Apenteng and his predecessors left off.
Indeed, the fear-mongering and doomsday pronouncements by men in religious entrepreneurship, otherwise referred to as men of god, must have no place in a fledgling society such as ours. It is thus refreshing, to note that the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE); the National Peace Council (NPC) and other notable organizations and groups have condemned the recent prophesies across the country.
Beyond the condemnation, the various state institutions and agencies are expected to crack the whip on these men in the god-selling business. The District/Metropolitan assemblies especially should take concrete and urgent steps to enforce local bylaws regarding noise pollution accompanying the prophesies (which is an equally threatening component of the whole religious menace).