True Prophets or Fortune Tellers? Reclaiming Biblical Prophecy in Ghana

The biblical prophets—figures like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Amos—consistently called their societies to Repentance, demanding a return to covenantal faithfulness. Their message transcended personal morality, focusing on societal transformation grounded in justice, mercy, and the worship of God. Abraham Heschel's work underscores that Repentance, as proclaimed by the prophets, was not a superficial change but a profound moral and spiritual realignment driven by the demands of a holy God. In contrast, the activities of the so-called prophets dominating the Ghanaian religious landscape often counter these biblical models, focusing on political predictions, personal gain, “guess-etimation,” and sensationalism rather than moral and spiritual renewal.

Biblical Foundations of Prophetic Repentance

The call to Repentance was central to the prophetic ministry in the Old Testament. The prophets urged Israel and Judah to abandon idolatry, injustice, and moral corruption. For instance, Isaiah implored the people, "Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed" (Isaiah 1:16-17). Similarly, Amos thundered against social inequality, declaring, "Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream" (Amos 5:24). These messages were not about predicting future events to gain influence but about aligning human behavior with divine expectations.

The New Testament continues this emphasis. John the Baptist's ministry began with the call, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near" (Matthew 3:2). Jesus Himself carried forward this message, preaching Repentance as the path to the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:15). Repentance in both Testaments is a profound change of heart and mind that leads to transformed lives and societies.

The Ghanaian Prophetic Landscape: A Divergence from Biblical Models

In Ghana today, the prophetic ministry often appears more focused on predicting elections, identifying so-called witches, or pronouncing prosperity than calling for moral and societal transformation. This phenomenon, referred to as the "prophetic industry," reflects a troubling shift from the biblical model of prophecy to one driven by personal ambition and public spectacle. Instead of addressing systemic injustices, corruption, or societal decay, many prophets in Ghana have turned their platforms into stages for political endorsements and sensational predictions.

This approach starkly contrasts with the biblical prophets, who courageously confronted rulers and systems of power when they perpetuated injustice. For instance, Nathan rebuked King David for his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12), and Elijah confronted Ahab and Jezebel for their tyranny and idolatry (1 Kings 18-21). In contrast, many Ghanaian prophets avoid challenging political corruption or societal immorality, focusing instead on self-serving predictions that often exploit public fears and anxieties.

Prophetic Integrity and the Call to Justice

The prophets of the Bible were deeply concerned with justice and mercy. Micah summarized this ethos succinctly: "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8). The prophetic ministry was not about enriching the prophet but about holding society accountable to God's standards. Today, however, some prophets in Ghana prioritize financial gain, demanding exorbitant fees for consultations and prophecy. This commodification of prophecy undermines its spiritual and moral authority, turning what should be a sacred office into a lucrative business.

Moreover, the biblical prophets lived personal integrity that matched their message. They were often marginalized, rejected, or persecuted for their uncompromising stance (e.g., Jeremiah's imprisonment and Amos's expulsion from Bethel). In contrast, the modern prophetic industry in Ghana is often marked by displays of wealth and power that contradict the humility and selflessness exemplified by the biblical prophets.

Consequences of Neglecting the Call to Repentance

The failure of Ghanaian prophets to call society to Repentance has profound consequences. By neglecting their communities' moral and spiritual renewal, these prophets contribute to a culture of complacency and impunity. When leaders and citizens are not challenged to uphold justice, integrity, and compassion, societal decay becomes inevitable. As Heschel warns, the absence of genuine prophetic voices leaves a moral vacuum, allowing corruption and injustice to thrive unchecked.

The situation in Ghana mirrors the criticism leveled by Hosea: "My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). The lack of prophetic guidance rooted in Scripture leaves many Ghanaians vulnerable to exploitation and spiritual confusion. Instead of being challenged to grow in righteousness, individuals are often fed a diet of shallow promises and fear-based manipulation.

Lessons from Scripture and Heschel
Heschel's insights and the biblical witness offer a roadmap for restoring prophetic integrity in Ghana. First, prophets must return to the core message of Repentance and Justice, challenging individuals and societies to realign with God's will. This requires courage and a willingness to confront powerful interests, as seen in the lives of Isaiah, Amos, and John the Baptist.

Second, prophetic ministry must prioritize humility and service over personal gain. As Jesus taught, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant" (Matthew 20:26). Prophets should embody the values they proclaim, living lives that reflect God's justice and compassion.

Finally, the Ghanaian church and society must hold prophets accountable, demanding their messages align with biblical teaching. This includes rejecting the commercialization of prophecy and insisting on a ministry that serves the common good rather than personal ambition.

Conclusion
The prophetic ministry, as portrayed in Scripture and articulated by Heschel, is a sacred calling to challenge injustice, call for Repentance, and guide societies toward righteousness. In Ghana, the rise of a prophetic industry focused on political predictions and personal gain contradicts this biblical model. To restore prophetic integrity, both prophets and their followers must return to the heart of the prophetic message: a call to Repentance, justice, and faithfulness to God. Only then can the church fulfill its prophetic role in society, offering a vision of hope and transformation that reflects the character of God