Ohemaa Mercy has opened up about the nerves and disbelief that accompanied one of the most memorable honours of her music career, recalling how she struggled to accept that former President John Agyekum Kufuor was about to recognise her.
The celebrated gospel musician shared the story during an interview with George Quaye on Joy Prime, where she reflected on the unexpected recognition she received while still establishing herself in the music industry.
Ohemaa Mercy said the invitation to the Castle came shortly after she released her third album. Although she understood that the invitation was significant, she admitted that the reality of being honoured by the former president left her visibly shaken.
“Sometime around 2009 or 2012, one award that really encouraged me came after I had released my third album. I was invited to the Castle by President Kufuor. When I was going, I was shivering.
“Being invited to the Castle was something I had never imagined. While I was there, my mother called me and said my name had been mentioned. She told me that President Kufuor had recognised me as one of the best musicians in the country,” she said.
Even after her mother informed her that her name had been mentioned, Ohemaa Mercy said she could not immediately convince herself that she was the person being honoured.
She initially suspected that there had been an error and that someone else had been identified for the award. It was not until veteran broadcaster Kwame Sefa Kayi mentioned her name that she finally understood that the recognition was indeed meant for her.
She recalled: “I thought they had probably made a mistake and mentioned the wrong name. Honestly, I was the last person to pick up my brochure because I still didn’t believe it.
“It was only when I heard Kwame Sefa Kayi talking about it and mentioning my name that it finally sank in. I cried throughout the day.”
Looking back, Ohemaa Mercy described the occasion as far more than an award presentation. From arriving at the Castle to receiving a salute from soldiers and having President Kufuor personally present the honour, she said the experience left an enduring impression on her.
The gospel singer noted that the memory remains particularly special because of the combination of shock, gratitude and joy she felt at the time.
“Honestly, I can’t fully describe how I felt. They were tears of joy. Going to the Castle, seeing soldiers salute me, and then having President Kufuor hold my hand and present me with the award. Jesus Christ is truly amazing,” Ohemaa Mercy stated.
Watch what she said below.
Wow! Ohemaa Mercy recalls how surreal it felt to be invited to the Castle by former President Kufuor to receive her very first awarda truly remarkable milestone in her career
— Joy Prime (@JoyPrimeTV) August 19, 2026
Watch #primetime here: https://t.co/c6qIDUppdX pic.twitter.com/gLxzXtQkSz
