Mensa Otabil
- Date of birth: August 31, 1959
- Birthplace: Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana
- Nationality: Ghanaian
- Occupation: Theologian, motivational speaker
- Spouse: Joy Otabil
- Zodiac sign: Virgo
Mensa Otabil, a Ghanaian theologian, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur, is renowned as the founder of both the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) and Central University College, where he also serves as Chancellor. Additionally, he holds the esteemed position of CEO at Otabil and Associates, a distinguished consultancy specialising in executive and leadership growth.
Early life and education
- Mensa Otabil hails from the Western Region of Ghana.
- He was born on August 31, 1959, in Sekondi-Takoradi.
- He was the fourth born and the third son in a family of five children (four boys and a girl).
- His parents were Dinah and Lloyd Otabil, who worked as a personnel manager at GIHOC Boat Yard in Tema,
- Mensa Otabil lost his mother in 1975, and his father in 1976, when he was still a teenager.
- He completed his secondary education at Swedru Secondary School (SWESCO) in 1977.
- He did not pursue any formal tertiary education, but he studied theology on his own through correspondence courses and books.
Ministry
In the late 1970s, Mensa Otabil moved to Accra, where he joined the Kanda Fellowship, a charismatic group that met at Kanda Estate.
He started his own fellowship in 1984, with about 20 people, which later became the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC).
Presently, he assumes the role of the senior pastor at Christ Temple, the Central Congregation of ICGC, overseeing a vast network of local assemblies across Ghana, Europe, the United States, Canada, and several other regions in Africa.
Philanthropy
Mensa Otabil has been actively involved in various charitable and social impact projects. Each year, the International Central Gospel Church takes on projects to support the less privileged. Among their commendable endeavours in the past are notable contributions to the Ghana Heart Foundation, the establishment of a boys' hostel for the Osu Children's Home, and the provision of boreholes in underserved communities.
Publications
Mensa Otabil has authored several books:
- Beyond The Rivers Of Ethiopia
- Buy the Future: Learning to Negotiate for a Future Better Than Your Present
- Devotional: Living Word
He also published some e-books:
- 5 Steps to Answer Prayer
- Anointed to Start and Finish
- Goal Setting & Goal Getting
- How to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit
- Turning your Weakness into Strength
Personal life and family
Mensa Otabil married his wife, Joy, in 1986. They gave birth to four children: Sompa, Nhyira, Yoofi, and Baaba Aseda. He lives in Accra with his family. He enjoys reading, writing, gardening, and playing chess.
Mensa Otabil is a man of integrity, humility, excellence, and vision. He is respected by many as a spiritual leader, a mentor, a role model, and a voice of wisdom.
Awards
- Mensa Otabil received a Millenium Excellence Award in 2007
- 2007: He received the Order of the Volta (Religion), a prestigious state award from the Government of Ghana.
- 2018: Mensa Otabil, Kofi Annan, and Martin Amidu were listed among the 100 Most Reputable Africans. The list included individuals from diverse sectors: Leadership, Entertainment, Advocacy, Education, and Business.
- 2015: Voted "Most Influential Person in Ghana" by Ghanaians according to ETV Ghana's list.
- 2013: Ranked as the twenty-fourth most influential Ghanaian in a poll conducted by ETV Ghana.
