Watch moment pastor mistakenly addressed Mahama as NPP flagbearer during Atta-Mills memorial

play videoThe pastor bowing to apologise to Mahama

A moment of tension was defused at the 12th-anniversary commemoration of the late President Professor John Evans Atta Mills when a member of the congregation nearly confronted the Superintendent Minister for Tema Manhean Circuit of the Methodist Church, Very Rev. Amos Justice Pobee.

The incident occurred at the Asomdwe Park in Osu, Accra on July 24, 2024, during a solemn wreath-laying ceremony.

The tension arose after Rev. Pobee mistakenly introduced the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, as the leader of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

This error occurred as Rev. Pobee was delivering his sermon, where he acknowledged the presence of the former President.

The misstatement did not sit well with many NDC supporters present, with visible reactions of disapproval, including one woman who attempted to approach the pastor in anger.

Security personnel quickly intervened, preventing any escalation.

Rev. Pobee, visibly confused, bowed to former President Mahama and apologized for his mistake, urging the congregation to maintain calm and allow him to continue his duties.

“I sincerely apologize.”

Mahama, accepting the apology, nodded in affirmation, helping to diffuse the situation.

The ceremony, organized by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the John Evans Atta Mills Memorial Heritage, commemorated the legacy of the late President Mills, who served as Ghana's leader from January 7, 2009, until his untimely passing on July 24, 2012.

In attendance were NDC flagbearer John Dramani Mahama, his running mate Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, NDC National Executives, the Atta Mills family, party sympathizers, and Members of Parliament.