A church launched in a classroom in 1984 now runs a university. Mensa Otabil and ICGC

The International Central Gospel Church was inaugurated in Accra on 26 February 1984. Four decades later it has congregations across Ghana and abroad and runs one of the country’s largest private universities.

Its founder, Pastor Dr Mensa Otabil, built one of the most influential churches in Ghana’s charismatic movement. He became known for preaching that combined faith with lessons on leadership, education, economics and national development, and for challenging his listeners to take responsibility for Africa’s future.

Beginnings

ICGC began as a small congregation in Accra in the early 1980s, a difficult period for Ghana, with economic crisis and military rule. Charismatic churches were growing fast, offering lively worship, strong preaching and a message of hope. Otabil’s preaching stood out for its focus on practical wisdom and self-reliance as well as spiritual growth.

The church’s headquarters congregation, Christ Temple, is at Abossey Okai in Accra, and ICGC now has congregations across Ghana and in other countries.

Beyond the Rivers of Ethiopia

Otabil is known for his books and sermons on African identity and development. His book Beyond the Rivers of Ethiopia addressed the place of Black people in God’s plan and challenged ideas that Africans were inferior. His messages encouraged Ghanaians to value education, work hard and build institutions.

His radio and television programme, Living Word, has been broadcast for decades and has an audience far beyond his own church.

Central University

In 1988, the church began a short-term pastoral training institute for its pastors. It grew into Central University, one of the largest private universities in Ghana, offering degrees in business, law, theology, pharmacy, architecture and other fields. Otabil serves as its founder and chancellor.

Influence and controversy

Otabil’s influence has extended into business and public life. He has also faced criticism. In 2018, he came under scrutiny after the collapse of Capital Bank, where he had served as board chairman, and he apologised publicly to his church. The episode was one of the most discussed moments in Ghanaian church news that year.

Forty years

In 2024, ICGC marked 40 years since its founding, with celebrations reflecting on its growth from a small gathering to a national denomination with schools, a university and social programmes.

Why it matters

ICGC’s story is part of the wider rise of charismatic Christianity in Ghana since the 1980s, which has reshaped the country’s religious landscape, music, media and even politics.

The church started with a small congregation in hard times. Its founder’s message, that Africans must invest in their own future, is now taught in its lecture halls as well as its pulpits.