'I was shivering' - Ohemaa Mercy recounts anxiety before receiving award from Kufuor

Celebrated Ghanaian gospel musician Ohemaa Mercy has opened up about the anxiety and excitement she experienced before receiving an award from former President John Agyekum Kufuor.

Speaking in an interview with George Quaye on Joy Prime, shared on X on August 20, 2026, Ohemaa Mercy revealed that she was overwhelmed with nervousness after learning that she had been invited to the Castle.

She said she initially struggled to believe the news that former President Kufuor was set to honour her for her contribution to the music industry.

“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.

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Further recounting the moment, Ohemaa Mercy said she was filled with doubt and disbelief, as she initially thought there had been a mistake.

According to her, she only became convinced after hearing celebrated broadcaster Kwame Sefa Kayi mention her name.

“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."

The award-winning gospel musician added that the entire experience remains one of the most memorable moments of her career.

“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,” she added.

Watch the video 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

Watch #primetime here: https://t.co/c6qIDUppdX pic.twitter.com/gLxzXtQkSz

— Joy Prime (@JoyPrimeTV) August 19, 2026