Pastor Otabil Fires At ‘Crooks Calling Themselves Prophets’

The Founder and General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Pastor Mensa Otabil, has taken a swipe at some self-proclaimed prophets in Ghana, describing them as “crooks” whose conduct is undermining the credibility of the prophetic ministry.

He said many people parading themselves as prophets were not born again, accusing some of engaging in immoral activities, including sleeping with other people’s wives and making false prophecies.

Although he affirmed his belief in the prophetic gift, Pastor Otabil questioned the authenticity of several prophetic practices in the country, arguing that some were rooted in occultism rather than the Holy Spirit.

Speaking during a church service, he challenged genuine prophets to publicly condemn individuals whose conduct was bringing the prophetic ministry into disrepute.

“All I can say is, 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 works,” he said.

He questioned the Christian credentials of many self-proclaimed prophets, insisting that their lifestyles did not reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ.

“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 maintained that he did not reject the prophetic gift but expressed concern about practices he described as necromancy, occultism and spiritism, which he said should not be confused with genuine biblical prophecy.

‘Stop Fooling’

However, his comments have drawn a sharp response from the General Overseer of Glorious Word Power Ministries International, Reverend Isaac Owusu Bempah, who accused the ICGC founder of undermining the prophetic ministry.

Addressing his congregation on November 2, 2026, Rev. Owusu Bempah took issue with what he characterised as Pastor Otabil’s criticism of prophets, warning that such comments could undermine the prophetic movement in Ghana.

He alleged that Pastor Otabil had suggested that the prophetic ministry was outdated and that about 90 per cent of prophets in the country were fake, leaving only a few genuine ministers.

Reacting angrily, Rev. Owusu Bempah accused the ICGC founder of attempting to suppress the prophetic ministry and called for his comments to be challenged.

“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,” he added.

Gaisie Calls for Mentorship

Meanwhile, the Founder and Leader of Prophetic Hill Chapel, Prophet Nigel Gaisie, has called for greater engagement and mentorship between established church leaders and younger prophets.

Speaking in an interview on Peace FM, Prophet Gaisie said although he respected Pastor Otabil, imperfections were not peculiar to the prophetic ministry but existed across the Christian faith.

He suggested that senior ministers of the Gospel should engage younger prophets, share their experiences and provide guidance to help strengthen the ministry.

Prophet Gaisie also appealed for understanding between established church leaders and those operating in the prophetic ministry, stressing that mentorship and constructive engagement could help address concerns about the conduct of some ministers.