Ghana Police Arrest ‘Prophet’ Behind Failed Global Flood Prediction

Ghanaian police have arrested Evans Eshun, popularly known as Ebo Noah, after his widely publicized prediction of a global flood sparked panic, mass movement of followers, and public outrage.

Police sources said Eshun was detained on Wednesday, December 31, following weeks of concern over his activities, which authorities say caused fear and disruption. His arrest comes after repeated warnings from police against so-called prophecies that incite public anxiety, particularly around the end-of-year religious period.

Eshun rose to prominence in August after claiming he had received a divine command to build modern-day arks in preparation for a catastrophic three-year global flood. He said the disaster would begin on December 25, 2025, and urged followers to travel to a designated site in Elmina to secure their survival.

Hundreds of people, including individuals from neighboring countries, reportedly abandoned their homes and traveled to the site with personal belongings. Authorities raised concerns over public safety, sanitation, and the potential for humanitarian emergencies as large groups gathered based on the prediction.

For months, Eshun posted videos on social media documenting the construction of large wooden structures he described as arks. He claimed they were the only means of survival for believers and solicited donations to fund the project.

When Christmas Day passed without any flooding, Eshun released a new video asserting that his prayers and fasting had persuaded God to delay the catastrophe. He later appeared on stage at rapper Sarkodie’s Rapperholic 2025 concert, telling the crowd to celebrate because the world had been spared, a moment that triggered widespread backlash online.

Criticism intensified after images circulated showing Eshun driving a new Mercedes-Benz reportedly worth about £74,000. Former supporters and donors accused him of misusing funds intended for the ark project, fueling accusations of financial exploitation.

Police initially questioned and released Eshun earlier this week, noting that religious prophecy alone is not a criminal offense. However, his continued public statements, combined with the scale of disruption caused, led to renewed police action. Authorities have emphasized that while freedom of belief is protected, spreading claims that incite fear and mass panic is not.

The controversy has reignited debate in Ghana over unregulated religious figures and the vulnerability of followers to charismatic claims framed as divine revelations. Some reports indicate that one wooden structure believed to be linked to the prophecy was set on fire by angry members of the public, highlighting the volatility surrounding the episode.

Police have reiterated that enforcement against fear-inducing prophecies will continue, warning that similar actions will be met with swift legal consequences.