Mensa Otabil

Mensa Otabil is one of the most influential religious and intellectual figures in Ghana, a pastor, theologian and motivational speaker whose message of self-reliance and African dignity has reached far beyond the walls of his church.

Early life

He was born on 31 August 1959 in Sekondi-Takoradi, the third son in a family of five. He married his wife Joy in 1986, and the couple have four children.

Founding a movement

He founded the International Central Gospel Church, which grew from modest beginnings into one of the largest charismatic churches in Ghana, with a network of assemblies across Africa, Europe and North America. As its general overseer, he built a following drawn as much to his teaching as to his preaching.

Education and enterprise

His belief in empowerment through knowledge led him to found Central University, one of the country's largest private universities, of which he serves as chancellor. He also runs a leadership consultancy, extending his influence into business and personal development.

Influence

Known for sermons that blend scripture with themes of African self-determination, economic empowerment and personal responsibility, Otabil has become a public intellectual as much as a religious leader. In 2015 Ghanaians voted him the country's most influential person, a measure of the reach his message has achieved.