Prophet Bernard ElBernard prophecy: Ghana preacher say e go 'step down' from pulpit after failed prophecy - BBC

One popular preacher in Ghana, Prophet Bernard ElBernard Nelson-Eshun, has announced that he will "step back from public preaching and pulpit ministry" after a failed political prophecy. Prophet ElBernard had prophesied that businessman Kennedy Agyapong would win the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries. He placed his ministry on the line, stating that nothing could prevent Agyapong from winning against former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

Pollsters and political researchers indicated that Dr. Bawumia was the favorite to win the primaries ahead of the election scheduled for January 31. Other prophets had also suggested that Dr. Bawumia, who is expected to lose the 2024 elections to government party candidate John Mahama, would win the primaries and lead the NPP in the 2028 elections.

On a local radio station, Asempa FM, Prophet ElBernard explained, "I dey put 27 years of hearing from God, 18 years of pastoring di church on di line say Kennedy Agyapong go win di presidential primaries of di opposition party." He claimed to have seen in the spiritual realm that Agyapong would win, even writing a book that included a chapter about this prophecy.

However, after the voting across 333 polling centers in Ghana, the results showed that Dr. Bawumia won with 56.4% of the vote, while Agyapong received only 23.7%. Following the confirmation of the results, Prophet ElBernard issued a public apology for his "inaccurate" prophecy, stating, "Dat word no come to pass. I miss am. I be wrong. I dey sorry wey I dey ask for your forgiveness." He acknowledged the emotional, spiritual, and political impact of his words on those who trusted him.

During a Sunday service, he confirmed to his congregation that he would take a step back from public prophetic declarations. He stated, "For di spirit of responsibility, I decide say I go step back from public teaching, preaching and pulpit ministry. Dis be to allow me to reflect, pray and get more time for how revelations gatz be." He reassured his members that he would still be around but would focus on personal growth and prayer.

The public response has been mixed, with some criticizing him as a fake prophet and others urging forgiveness for taking accountability. Meanwhile, other pastors who had prophesied Dr. Bawumia's victory celebrated the fulfillment of their predictions on social media, with one pastor even sharing a video of a celebration that drew criticism.

Prophet Bernard ElBernard is known as a prophet, forex trader, and cryptopreneur, and he is the founder of SpiritLife Revival Ministries in Accra, which focuses on prophetic, faith, and supernatural teachings. He has also engaged in philanthropic activities, supporting the needy and offering mentorship programs. In 2024, he gifted a veteran gospel musician a car and provided scholarships for his children after the musician faced financial difficulties.

Since 2021, the Ghana Police Service has warned religious leaders to be cautious with their prophecies, particularly ahead of the December watchnight services, to avoid causing fear and panic. The presidency has also requested that prophets and spiritual leaders submit prophecies with national security implications for vetting.