Pastor Mensa Otabil Calls Out Fake Prophets in Ghana, Says 95% Are ‘Quacks’

Accra, Ghana – Renowned theologian and General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Pastor Mensa Otabil, has issued a bold statement regarding the alarming rise of self-proclaimed prophets in Ghana.

Speaking at the Anointing Service marking the conclusion of the Doulos Conference 2025 at ICGC Christ Temple East in Accra on Thursday, March 6, 2025, he asserted that a significant number of individuals who claim to be prophets are actually false.

“And I have said it, and I’ll say it without any shadow of doubt,” Pastor Otabil stated. “Based on my knowledge of the scriptures. Based on my knowledge of church history, which I have extensive knowledge of. Based on my theological reasoning. Based on my experiential observation. That about 95% of people who call themselves prophets in Ghana are quacks.”

Addressing an audience that likely included some self-proclaimed prophets, he did not mince words, emphasizing that taking on a title without the proper calling and training is dangerous. “If you are not a doctor, don’t call yourself doctor. If you are a lab technician, just say I’m a lab technician. One day I’ll be a doctor. But don’t call yourself what you are not,” he cautioned.

He compared the situation to an unqualified person attempting surgery in a hospital, warning that such deception ruins lives. “You’ll be under pressure to do a surgery. And you’ll cut somebody. And then you’ll cut something else. And then leave seizures and everything inside the stomach. Kill somebody’s child,” he illustrated. “There are people ruining families. Ruining people’s lives. Destroying people because they have taken a title upon themselves.”

Pastor Otabil lamented that the unchecked rise of unqualified prophets has led to public distrust in the clergy. “Then we create such a scandal and mistrust for everybody who calls himself a clergyman in Ghana. Eventually, they say we are all crooks. We are all charlatans,” he said, adding that the church must take responsibility for cleaning up its ranks.

“I believe that we have to do ourselves surgery. And if charismatics don’t do it, I will do it,” he asserted.

His remarks are expected to stir conversations within Ghana’s Christian community, as concerns over false prophecy and deception in ministry continue to grow.