Self-styled ‘prophet’ arrested in Ghana over doomsday flood scare

A self-proclaimed prophet in Ghana who spent months spreading fears of an imminent doomsday flood has been arrested, local police in the West African country have confirmed to several media outlets.

Evans Eshun, popularly known as Ebo Noah, was detained on December, 31 after repeatedly warning that a global flood would begin on Christmas Day. The 30-year-old claimed the disaster would last three years and urged followers to donate money to help him build modern-day arks for survival.

Last August, Eshun claimed God had ordered him to build 10 wooden vessels to save humanity. For months, he posted videos showing himself overseeing boat construction, but controversy erupted after reports alleged that donations meant for the project were instead used to buy a Mercedes-Benz, prompting widespread outrage online.

When no flood occurred on December 26, Eshun insisted that his prayers and a three-week fast had persuaded God to delay the catastrophe.

“God reveals to redeem. I have prayed. I have fasted. I have donated. And I have built. Through my prayers, I received another vision,” Eshun said in a widely circulated message.

“After the intercession, God has given us more time to build additional arks, beyond the 10 that will carry all of us,” he added.

Days later, he appeared on stage during a concert by Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie, urging the crowd to celebrate because the end of the world had been postponed.

The episode has sparked renewed public debate in Ghana regarding doomsday prophecies, the influence of self-styled religious figures and the use of donations solicited in the name of faith. Police have not disclosed the charges Eshun may face or whether he has been formally charged.