Owusu-Bempah Challenges Mensa Otabil Over Claims on Divine Revelations
Ghanaian religious leaders, Rev. Isaac Owusu-Bempah and Dr. Mensa Otabil, are at the center of a theological debate following a controversial statement about divine revelations.
Rev. Owusu-Bempah, the founder and leader of Glorious Word Power Ministries International, has strongly disagreed with Dr. Mensa Otabil, founder of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), over his assertion that God no longer reveals mysteries to humans.
The Controversy
Dr. Otabil, while speaking to his congregation ahead of Ghana’s 2024 general elections, questioned the credibility of prophecies about political outcomes. He argued that some pastors claim to have received exclusive revelations from God, but according to him, “God is not revealing mysteries to anybody again…God is not speaking by revelation to anybody. God’s revelation is closed.”
This statement did not sit well with Rev. Owusu-Bempah, who firmly opposed it in a sermon on Sunday, February 1, 2025. He accused Dr. Otabil of undermining prophetic ministries and questioned his theological stance.
“In fact, I have realized that most Christians are villagers in the spiritual realm; they don’t understand petty spiritual matters,” Owusu-Bempah stated. He went on to argue that God still speaks to people, adding, “Does God speak to animals? No! God speaks to human beings.”
Owusu-Bempah further pointed out that Dr. Otabil’s church has branches led by prophets, which contradicts his claim that God no longer reveals mysteries. “Prophet Annoh is a pastor in your church, but you are saying God does not speak to human beings. What are you talking about?” he questioned.
History of Disagreements
This is not the first time Owusu-Bempah and Otabil have been at odds. In July 2017, Owusu-Bempah criticized Otabil for comments that appeared dismissive of prophetic ministries. He even demanded an apology, insisting that not all prophets should be negatively labeled.
Again, in January 2019, following Owusu-Bempah’s prophecies about prominent figures, reports suggested that Otabil had condemned such predictions. However, Otabil later clarified that he had not specifically commented on Owusu-Bempah’s prophecies and that the remarks attributed to him were taken from an unrelated sermon.
Theological Debate in Ghana’s Christian Community
This debate highlights ongoing theological differences within Ghana’s Christian community, particularly on the role of prophecy in modern times. While some church leaders, like Owusu-Bempah, believe that God still speaks to individuals through divine revelations, others, like Otabil, maintain that God’s revelation is complete and sealed in the scriptures.
The controversy has sparked discussions among Christians, with some supporting Owusu-Bempah’s stance on prophecy, while others agree with Otabil’s perspective on the finality of God’s revelations.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the two influential religious leaders will further engage in discussions or clarify their positions to their congregations.
Conclusion
The disagreement between Rev. Owusu-Bempah and Dr. Mensa Otabil underscores a broader theological debate on divine communication. Whether God still speaks directly to individuals remains a topic of discussion within Ghana’s Christian community, reflecting diverse interpretations of scripture and religious beliefs.