False prophet in Ghana burns people's faith and property

The “fake Noah” case in Ghana is a warning example of religious abuse and the destructive power of false prophets in the age of social media.

In one of the most controversial examples of religious deception in recent years, a Ghanaian man, claiming to have received a divine mission, convinced thousands of people that the world was on the brink of a three-year apocalyptic flood. The man, who first called himself “Ibu Jesus” and then “Ibu Noah,” posted videos on social media claiming that God had chosen him, like Noah in the Bible, to save humanity.

In these videos, he declared in a decisive tone: "The global flood will begin exactly on Christmas Day, and only those who are in the ships will be saved." These messages quickly spread in Ghana and some West African countries, drawing thousands of people into his circle of followers.

Reports indicate that many of the followers of the “fake Noah” not only believed his words, but also made decisions that changed their lives forever. Some sold their homes, land, and businesses to pay for reservations on the “arc of salvation,” which he claimed would be capable of saving 600 million people.

Ibu Fofana tried to portray a grand, divine project by posting images of stacked logs and a few rudimentary boats. In one video, he was even seen riding in a 2025 Mercedes-Benz, an image that later became a symbol of the contradiction between the luxurious life of the self-proclaimed prophet and the poverty of his followers.

As December 25, 2025 arrived, many followers anxiously looked to the sky. But contrary to the dire predictions, there was no flood, not even a hint of rain. The weather was sunny and life went on as normal.

In a fresh response, Ibu Nuh announced in a new message: “Because of sincere prayers, God has decided to postpone the flood.” He urged people to be patient and even celebrate Christmas, an explanation that was not only unconvincing but also sparked widespread anger.

For those who had lost everything, there was no more room for patience. A group of angry losers stormed the so-called “shipyard” and set fire to the wooden structures and primitive boats. These scenes were widely shared on social media, bringing the “New Noah” project to a symbolic end.

Following numerous complaints, Ghanaian judicial authorities arrested Ibu Fofana on charges of fraud and misleading the public. Although he was later released, his case has been recorded as a warning example of religious deception.

Religious experts and Christian theologians stressed that this incident once again reminds us of the need to distinguish between biblical faith and the personal claims of self-proclaimed prophets. The Bible has repeatedly warned about the emergence of false prophets and has urged believers to test the spirits.

Ghana's "fake Noah" case shows how the combination of distorted interpretations of the Bible, apocalyptic excitement, and the power of social media can lead to a humanitarian catastrophe—a catastrophe whose main victims were naive people seeking salvation.