Digital Dissemination of Neo-Prophetic Theologies in Ghana: Societal Impact and Challenges in the Age of Social Media.

Abstract

Social media has become a primary platform for the spread of Neo-Prophetic theologies, particularly within Ghana’s Pentecostal movement. Through a qualitative research approach, this study examines how contemporary Ghanaian prophetic ministries affect religious behaviours and become integrated into society. The online Neo-Prophetic content frequently features prosperity gospel, spiritual warfare narratives, and extraordinarily sensational prophecies. Data was collected through group and individual interviews, participant observation, and analysis of content on Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Instagram across a variety of participants from Christian traditions. The results show a significant impact on the worldviews, behaviours, and decision-making of believers. While some prophetic leaders exploit their followers economically and psychologically, many adherents reported finding spiritual fulfilment within these ministries. The potential fallout from the digital revolution within prophetic recognition creates both potentially enriching and potentially harmful pathways in personal spirituality. Government agencies and civil society organisations, among others, have devised countermeasures in the form of public education campaigns and legislative action to help assess religious content on social media. The study recommends integrating media literacy and critical thinking in Ghanaian schools’ curricula, strengthening the regulatory framework and enforcement, and fostering interfaith dialogue and community engagement would go a long way to minimise the impact of these Neo-Prophetic theologies. The study contributes to a scholarly understanding of the intersection of religion and technology, media studies in religious contexts, the Pentecostal and charismatic movements in Ghana, and contemporary Ghanaian Christianity.