BY Daniel Bampoe
A leading prophet who publicly declared that former Assin Central MP, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, would win the New Patriotic Party’s presidential primary has issued a rare apology after his prophecy failed to materialise.
Prophet Bernard ElBernard Nelson-Eshun, the General Overseer of Spiritlife Revival Ministries, Takoradi became one of the most controversial religious voices during the NPP flagbearer race, repeatedly insisting that God had revealed to him that Kennedy Agyapong would emerge victorious with 52%.
Throughout the primary season, the prophet claimed on several platforms that he had received the same divine message on eight different occasions, describing Agyapong as the chosen candidate destined to lead the NPP into the 2028 general elections.
In his declarations, ElBernard openly opposed other contenders, particularly former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
He went as far as urging Dr. Bawumia to abandon his presidential ambitions, claiming that God had “rejected” him in favour of Kennedy Agyapong.
The prophet’s pronouncements gained national attention because of their boldness and the extent to which he tied spiritual authority to a political outcome.
At one point, he embarked on what he described as a “one-man commando” mission, even writing a book detailing his supposed revelations about Kennedy Agyapong’s victory and the “major revival” it would bring to the NPP ahead of 2028.
However, shortly after the party’s delegates voted on January 31, 2026, and the results did not align with his prediction, Prophet ElBernard publicly admitted he was wrong and apologised to Ghanaians, party supporters, and believers who trusted his words.
In a statement titled “Public Statement & Apology,” the prophet confessed that his prophetic declarations did not come to pass.
“That word did not come to pass. I missed it. I was wrong. I am deeply sorry, and I ask for your forgiveness,” he wrote.
He acknowledged that many people were emotionally, spiritually, and politically affected because he spoke publicly “with prophetic authority,” and some may have made decisions based on his pronouncements.
“I take full responsibility for this prophetic word. I sincerely apologize to everyone who trusted my word and was hurt, disappointed, or negatively impacted,” he added.
The prophet also stated that he would not shift blame, admitting that the prophecy, as declared, failed. He described the moment as one that has forced him to pause, reflect, and realign himself in accountability regarding how prophetic revelations are communicated.
ElBernard’s apology has reignited debate about the growing influence of prophecies in Ghana’s political space. During the NPP primary season, several religious figures issued competing predictions, with some warning that prophecies could mislead party supporters.
Notably, Prophet Nigel Gaisie had earlier expressed skepticism about Kennedy Agyapong’s chances, warning that choosing him could instead lead the party into electoral defeat.
The incident has become one of the latest examples of the clash between faith-based political declarations and electoral reality, raising fresh questions about the role of prophets in democratic contests.
