Today, Friday, 31 August 2018, marks the 59th birthday of the founder and leader of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Pastor Mensa Otabil.

Born in 1959 to Dinah and Lloyd Otabil, Pastor Otabil, from humble beginnings, has grown to become one of the most influential personalities in Ghana and Africa.

He is the founder and Chancellor of Central University College, and the Chief Executive Officer of Otabil and Associates, an executive and leadership growth consultancy.

Pastor Otabil’s pastoral work has centred on issues relevant to Africa, although he has spoken internationally at various conferences and churches.

Pastor Otabil has been awarded honorary doctorate degrees for his work in various fields. He was also a recipient of a Millennium Excellence Award. In 2007, he was honoured by the Government of Ghana with the Order of the Volta (Religion).

Pastor Otabil has been in the news recently over the collapse of Capital Bank, a financial institution where he served as the Board Chair. Critics say he should be made to account for the bank’s collapse and punished accordingly, if found that his actions and inaction contributed to its failure.

Reacting to the development at a sermon, Pastor Otabil said: “God is good”. He had earlier in a statement indicated that he was not involved in the day-to-day management of the bank and was cooperating with the relevant state agencies investigating the collapse of the bank.

The revered man of God, on the occasion of his birthday, took to social media to praise God despite his recent predicament.

He posted on Facebook: “You show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. I will give thanks to you LORD with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will worship toward Your holy temple, and praise Your name for Your loving kindness and Your truth; for You have magnified Your word above all Your name.

“Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you! My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection. That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long for the great things that you have done, and for greater things that you are about to do.

“Psalm 16:11, 9:1, 138:2, 71:6?-?8”