The founder and General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Pastor Mensa Otabil, has sparked controversy with his strong remarks about Ghanaian prophets, describing many of those who claim to operate in the prophetic ministry as “crooks”.
In his comments, Pastor Otabil also criticised practices he associated with necromancy, drawing a distinction between genuine Christian prophecy and what he considers questionable spiritual activities.
His remarks have reportedly angered fellow religious leaders, including Prophet Nigel Gaisie and Prophet Isaac Owusu Bempah, bringing renewed attention to disagreements over prophetic practices in Ghana.
Mensa Otabil raised concerns about the conduct of some people in Ghana’s prophetic ministry, criticising individuals who describe themselves as prophets but, in his view, lack the Christian character and spiritual integrity expected of genuine ministers of God.
The man of God argued that genuine prophets should call out the crooks and speak out against those whose conduct undermines the credibility of the prophetic ministry rather than remain silent.
Speaking during a church service, Pastor Otabil stated, “All I can say is that there are a lot of crooks calling themselves prophets, and those who believe they are genuine prophets should announce the crooks because they are spoiling your work.
I have put a percentage on it; I think the majority of people who call themselves prophets in Ghana are not born again. How do I know? Check their lifestyles. They are not born again. They don’t know Jesus as Lord. They have never been saved. They need an altar call to give their lives to Jesus Christ,” he stated.
Pastor Otabil also alleged that some individuals who claim to operate in the prophetic ministry engage in immoral conduct and make false predictions.
He, however, affirmed his belief in the existence of genuine prophetic gifts, but questioned the spiritual practices of some self-proclaimed prophets.
Pastor Otabil described certain activities as necromancy, occultism and spiritism rather than biblical prophecy.
He, however, maintained that the prophetic gift is available to believers.
Pastor Mensa Otabil added, “The majority of them are sleeping with everybody’s wives, and some are telling plain lies. How can I say it doesn’t matter? Call him a prophet. Are there people with the prophetic gift? I believe so. There are many people with the prophetic gift, and according to Joel, every believer must operate in that.
But I think a lot of things people are calling prophetic in Ghana are necromancy is occultism, and spiritism; people are mediums, people are channelling the spirits of uncles and aunties and grandmothers, and they are not prophets; they are pure occultic people”.
Pastor Mensa Otabil’s comments have drawn a response from the General Overseer of Prophetic Hill Chapel, Prophet Nigel Gaisie and the General Overseer of Glorious Word Power Ministries International, Reverend Isaac Owusu Bempah.
Nigel Gaisie, on his part, expressed disagreement with the assessment while acknowledging Pastor Otabil’s standing in the Christian community.
Speaking in an interview on Peace FM, Prophet Gaisie said he respected Pastor Otabil but believed that imperfections existed across all areas of Christian ministry.
He argued that Pastor Otabil should engage younger prophets and provide guidance, stressing the importance of mentorship and the sharing of experience.
However, the debate has also attracted strong comments from Reverend Isaac Owusu Bempah.
Owusu Bempah, addressing his congregation on November 2, 2026, took issue with what he described as Pastor Otabil’s criticism of the prophetic ministry.
Rev Owusu Bempah angrily accused the ICGC founder of undermining the prophetic ministry and warned that his comments could have wider implications if left unchallenged.
“There is a person in this country who wants to quench the prophetic fire in the country,” he said.
“He is fooling and misbehaving and needs to be put in his place. If he is not checked, he will continue to do such things,” Rev. Owusu Bempah added.
Watch the video below:
How did this warrant such a response from Owusu Bempah? https://t.co/jDiitw01JL
— Yaaa (@YaaChinese) November 1, 2026
The interpreter even showed more discretion and diplomacy. He didn’t interpret exactly what Owusu Bempah said. https://t.co/MDxchzY1so
— Yaaa (@YaaChinese) November 2, 2026
@ghnow_ Media personality Serwaa Amihere has arrived at the Flora Made by Grace concert hosted by gospel musician Piesie Esther at Perez Dome, Dzorwulu, Accra. #GHNow #fyp ♬ Mo – Piesie Esther
@ghnow_ Media personality Serwaa Amihere has arrived at the Flora Made by Grace concert hosted by gospel musician Piesie Esther at Perez Dome, Dzorwulu, Accra #GHNow #fyp ♬ Mo – Piesie Esther
