Pastor Mensa Otabil, Founder and head pastor of the International Central Gospel Church
Being a man of God is a very sacrosanct thing to do. For many years, these are men who have devoted their lives to serving God.
In recent times, pastors do not limit themselves to the confines of the church.
Rather, they try to influence society in many ways. Some go as far as helping the needy, counselling both the married and unmarried, and also offering support to their congregants.
From afar, the work of a pastor may look easy, but the fact is that the commitment required of them makes it more tough.
We take a look at six respected pastors who have blazed the trail for the past two decades:
1. Mensa Otabil
Pastor Mensa Otabil is the founder and head pastor of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC).
The 59-year-old is also a theologian, motivational speaker and entrepreneur.
Dr. Otabil remains one of the most respected men of God in the country, due to his zeal to make the world a better place.
Four years ago, he was voted the "Most Influential Person in Ghana", according to a list published by ETV Ghana.
Last year, he again made it to the list of 100 Most Reputable Africans, together with the iconic Kofi Annan.
Pastor Otabil has been one of the most impactful Ghanaian pastors in the last decade.
2. Sam Korankye Ankrah
Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah is another pastor who has blazed the trail in the last two decades.
He is the founder of the Royal House Chapel International. He is also the CEO of Powerline Media Ministries, a non-profit organization and also serves as the first vice president of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC).
Rev. Sam Korankye’s humanitarian works are well documented and he is known to be a very charitable man.
In 2008, he received the Order of the Volta award, one of Ghana's highest honors, from Ghana's president for his charitable work in the areas of health and education.
In 2009, he also received the Angel of the Year Award from Pristine Hub and TV Africa. The pastor has been honoured many more times for his diligent work in the ministry.
3. Charles Agyinasare
Bishop Charles Agyinasare is the founder of the Word Miracle Church International.
The preacher’s impact transcends beyond Ghana and has written several books on Christianity As a religious leader, he is one of very few who speak to power and are determined to champion African excellence.
In 2007 Bishop Agyinasare received a national award – the Member of the Order of the Volta (MV) – from former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
In 2015, he was again awarded The Global Leadership Award from Regent University, USA by Professor Clifton Clarke in recognition of his efforts in raising leaders across the world.
4. Palmer Buckle
Most Reverend Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle is Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church of Ghana.
He is, however, currently the Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast. Archbishop Palmer-Buckle remains only the second ever Ghanaian native to become Archbishop of Accra.
He previously worked as a teacher and chaplain at both the Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary and at Achimota School, and has impacted many lives with his philanthropic work.
In 2003, he was selected as part of a nine-member National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) tasked to bring truth and reconciliation in Ghana after human rights abuses and atrocities.
Archbishop Palmer-Buckle is also one of the most vocal men of God when it comes to issues of politics and human rights.
5. Father Campbell
Father Andrew Campbell was born, bred and schooled in Ireland, but has dedicated almost all his life to serving Ghana.
The 73-year-old is currently the parish priest of the Christ the King Church in Accra and has been responsible for providing for many needy persons.
Father Campbell is the head of the Weija Leprosarium, which provides care to persons afflicted by leprosy. His humanitarian works have always been a part of his since arriving in Ghana on October 13, 1971.
6. Nicholas Duncan-Williams
Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams is the founder and leader of the Action Chapel International. He is a man of God who is loved by many due to his though-proving messages.
In 2017, he was named by the New African Magazine one of “The 100 Most Influential Africans.”
Archbishop Duncan-Williams also became the first non-American to lead the prayer for the incoming President and Vice President of the United States during the inauguration
He has authored many impactful books and is also the founder of the Dominion University, which aims to train a new generation in excellence and ethical leadership for ministry, government, and business.
