From Tears to Kneeling: 4 times NDC officials have gone viral over public display of emotion in 2026

In Ghana’s political landscape, there appears to be little room for politicians to express their emotions in public.

Actions that may have been deemed ordinary have often been viewed as dramatic coming from leaders in a society.

While ordinary Ghanaians can freely express themselves, create content, or display emotions without backlash, the same tolerance is rarely extended to Members of Parliament, ministers, or government appointees.

Their every move is closely scrutinised and heavily criticised.

This listicle takes a look at some NDC politicians and appointees who have, in recent times, either broken down in tears or knelt down publicly to express an appeal over urgent situations.

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Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources & MP for Ellembelle on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, became the topic of discussion following his dramatic kneeling before the assembled chiefs at the Western Regional House of Chiefs.

In a passionate plea for peace, love, and unity, he begged the traditional leaders to resolve a long-standing chieftaincy dispute that has been ongoing in the region. The viral video left many Ghanaians stunned, with lots of questions.

Faustina Elikplim Akurugu

The MP for Dome-Kwabenya has added to the list of appointees who are currently trending after she was captured kneeling on May 10, 2026, at the Ga East Municipal Hospital to get roads fixed in her constituency.

She was captured pleading desperately with the roads minister, Kwame Governs Agbodza and contractors to immediately fix the dangerous, pothole-filled roads in her constituency.

Her dramatic appeal has since dominated social media discussions.

Ahmed Ibrahim

The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and MP for Banda, Ahmed Ibrahim, was also captured kneeling and praying during a church service, reportedly at an Apostolic Faith or Pentecost event.

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In the video, many Ghanaians were shocked and even questioned his faith because his name suggests an Islamic background.

While this was part of normal worship, it still sparked heated online debates about the minister.

Julius Debrah

Chief of Staff to President John Dramani Mahama could not hold back his emotions on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the Pentecost International Worship Centre PIWC, Trassaco Branch, as he broke down while rendering an apology.

Debrah broke down in tears and cried openly while publicly apologising to the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, over unsavoury comments by the Free Zones CEO, Dr Mary Awusi.

Why Julius Debrah Broke Down in Tears and Apologised to Apostle Eric Nyamekye

On Sunday, April 26, 2026, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah publicly apologised and wept uncontrollably during a church service at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Trassaco Branch.

The apology was triggered by controversial remarks made by Dr Mary Awusi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA).

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Dr Awusi had sharply criticised Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, after the Apostle publicly condemned the devastating effects of galamsey (illegal small-scale mining) on Ghana’s environment, water bodies, and farmlands.

“He’s a man of God, so we’ll forgive him. But next time, he shouldn’t stoop so low to that level.

I am telling him. If he descends to that level to behave like a politician, we will deal with him as a politician.”

She further added, “If you’re a reverend minister and you bypass the truth by taking off your pastoral robe and putting on political clothes and a political lens to speak, the next time we’ll treat him as a politician.”

These comments were widely condemned as disrespectful and threatening toward the respected church leader, sparking massive public outrage.

Following this, Debrah, during his birthday thanksgiving service, took full responsibility on behalf of the government and Dr Awusi.

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He described her comments as “a slip” that was not intended to malign the Apostle or the Church of Pentecost.

With tears flowing, Debrah pleaded for forgiveness, saying: “One of our colleagues, Dr Mary Awusi, slipped a bit against you… It was just a slip. It wasn’t intentionally done to malign our church. I believe sincerely that you will forgive her and forgive us…”

VKB/VPO