Prophet Bernard ElBernard steps back from public ministry after his political prophecy on Kennedy Agyapong fails in Ghana
A Ghanaian preacher Prophet Bernard ElBernard Nelson-Eshun has announced a temporary withdrawal from public preaching and prophetic declarations after his high-profile political prophecy failed to materialise.
The decision follows former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s decisive victory in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries, contrary to ElBernard’s prediction that businessman and ex-MP Kennedy Agyapong would win.
The 45-year-old prophet publicly staked his ministerial credibility on the prophecy, asserting that “nothing could stop” Agyapong from securing the party ticket. Ahead of the primaries, ElBernard declared on Asempa FM: “I put 27 years of hearing from God and 18 years of pastoring the church on the line that Kennedy Agyapong will win the presidential primaries of the opposition party.”
Voting, conducted across 333 polling centres in Ghana’s 16 regions on 31 January 2026, resulted in Dr Bawumia receiving 56.4 per cent of votes, while Agyapong garnered 23.7 per cent.
The outcome stunned many followers, given the confidence with which the prophecy was delivered and documented in a book authored by ElBernard.
Minutes after the results were confirmed, the preacher issued a public apology, acknowledging his mistake.
“That word did not come to pass. I missed it. I was wrong, and I am sorry. I ask for your forgiveness,” he said. ElBernard also accepted responsibility for the emotional and spiritual impact of his prophecy on his followers.
During a subsequent church service, the prophet explained his decision to step back from public ministry.
“In the spirit of responsibility, I have decided to step back from public teaching, preaching and pulpit ministry. This is to allow me time to reflect, pray and seek better understanding of how revelations should be handled,” he said, while assuring congregants that he would continue working behind the scenes.
The announcement drew mixed reactions on social media. Some criticised ElBernard as a false prophet, while others praised his accountability.
Meanwhile, other prophets who had predicted Bawumia’s victory celebrated publicly.
Prophet Bernard ElBernard Nelson-Eshun is the founder of SpiritLife Revival Ministries in Accra and is also recognised as an author, forex trader, and cryptopreneur.
He is noted for philanthropic work, including scholarship schemes and mentorship programmes. Some of his previous political prophecies, such as predicting John Mahama’s 2024 presidential bid outcome, were considered accurate.
Ghanaian authorities have repeatedly advised religious leaders to exercise caution in delivering politically charged prophecies to avoid public unrest or panic.
