Thousands of Ghanaians defied all odds to attend the 31st Watch Night service hosted by Pastor Mensa Otabil’s International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) at the Independence Square in a year where the man of God was heavily criticised over his involvement in the liquidation of Capital Bank.

Contrary to the perception that Otabil has lost his relevance and followership in Ghana, his Crossover service attracted more than 50,000 Ghanaians from all walks of life, a manifestation that the man of God is still revered in the country.

The seats at the arena were full to capacity with many standing in the overflow.

The Crossover service which was held at the Independence Square for the first time since 2012 saw Mensa Otabil usher Ghanaian’s into a New Year in style where he declared it as a ‘Year of Wisdom’.

Speaking to the congregation at the service, Pastor Mensa Otabil disclosed that although 2018 has been a torrid year for many, there were also people who were blessed in several ways.

He said, “There are people in this arena who have gone through the valley of the shadow of death in 2018. You’ve been hurt, wounded, knocked down, sick, buried loved ones and more but the most importantly you are here because God is not finished with you. For some people it’s been a good year.”

According to Otabil the theme for 2019 captures the idea of what God has revealed to him. He disclosed that without wisdom a nations rich resources will lay waste.

He said, “Wisdom is not just information but knowledge applied in the right way, it affects our life spiritually and morally. In 2019, may God give us wisdom to build our lives well. Nations are not built by resources it’s great to have gold, diamond and oil but without wisdom there will be no building, may God give us wisdom in Ghana and we pray that God will give us master builders and Mensa Otabil will be wiser next year.”

Pastor Otabil led the assembly into prayers to thank God for the previous and the new year, protection and blessing.

Shortly after a sermon to climax the past year and crossing over into 2019, he led the congregation in ‘breaking the communion’ and anointing.

Pastor Mensa Otabil and the ICGC are among 15 shareholders and directors of Capital Bank who have been sued over the collapse of the bank in 2018.

Otabil has denied claims he benefited from loans and acted fraudulently as former board chairman of the defunct Capital Bank.

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