'There are a lot of crooks calling themselves pastors' - Otabil's comments that have angered prophets

Comments by the founder and General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Pastor Mensa Otabil, about the conduct of some people in Ghana’s prophetic ministry have sparked reactions from other religious leaders, including Prophet Nigel Gaisie and Reverend Isaac Owusu Bempah.

In remarks made during a church service, Pastor Otabil criticised individuals who describe themselves as prophets but in his view, lack the Christian character and spiritual integrity expected of genuine ministers of God.

He argued that established prophets should speak out against those whose conduct undermines the credibility of the prophetic ministry rather than remain silent.

“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 further alleged that some individuals claiming to operate in the prophetic ministry engage in immoral conduct and make false predictions.

While affirming his belief in the existence of genuine prophetic gifts, he questioned the spiritual practices of some self-proclaimed prophets, describing certain activities as necromancy, occultism and spiritism rather than biblical prophecy.

He maintained that although the prophetic gift is available to believers, not every spiritual manifestation should be regarded as an expression of the Holy Spirit.

The comments have drawn a response from the General Overseer of Prophetic Hill Chapel, Prophet Nigel Gaisie, who 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, including the prophetic calling.

He suggested that senior ministers of the Gospel should engage younger prophets and provide guidance, stressing the importance of mentorship and the sharing of experience.

Prophet Gaisie also appeared to appeal for greater openness between established church leaders and those in the prophetic ministry, arguing that experience could offer valuable lessons to younger ministers.

The debate has also attracted strong comments from the General Overseer of Glorious Word Power Ministries International, Reverend Isaac Owusu Bempah.

Addressing his congregation on November 2, 2026, Rev Owusu Bempah took issue with what he described as Pastor Otabil's criticism of the prophetic ministry.

He alleged that Pastor Otabil had suggested that the prophetic ministry was outdated and that about 90 per cent of prophets in Ghana were fake, leaving only a small percentage as genuine ministers of God.

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Reacting angrily to the alleged remarks, Rev Owusu Bempah 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.

How did this warrant such a response from Owusu Bempah? https://t.co/jDiitw01JL

— Yaaa (@YaaChinese) November 1, 2026

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