LOB News | http://www.livingourbible.com | Monday 6th July 2026
Religious Freedom Must Be Protected, Says Pastor Mensa Otabil
ACCRA, Ghana — Pastor Mensa Otabil, Founder and General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), has cautioned against government regulation of churches, insisting that religious belief is a matter of personal conscience and should never be controlled by the state.
Pastor Mensa Otabil made the remarks during The Next Great Leader Summit 3.0, hosted by Bishop Gideon Titi-Ofei at the University of Gold Coast in Accra. The summit brought together church leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and students to discuss practical leadership principles under the theme of 360-Degree Leadership.
Responding to a question from the audience about whether the growing concerns over questionable practices in some Pentecostal and Charismatic churches should lead to government intervention, Pastor Otabil firmly rejected the idea.
“One of the worst things anybody can implement would be government regulation of religious belief,” he said.
He explained that while concerns about church leadership and accountability are legitimate, allowing governments to regulate religious belief would undermine one of the most fundamental human freedoms.
“No government has the right to regulate religious belief,” Pastor Otabil added.
Instead of state regulation, the respected pastor proposed strengthening the process of developing church leaders. He argued that the real issue lies not in the existence of churches but in how pastors are formed, trained, and discipled before assuming leadership responsibilities.
Drawing an analogy with the medical profession, Pastor Otabil noted that if doctors consistently failed in their responsibilities, society would not respond by shutting down hospitals. Rather, attention would be directed toward improving medical education and professional formation. Likewise, he believes the church should focus on improving pastoral preparation instead of inviting government oversight.
“I think the challenge we have is not mere discipleship… I think it’s pastoral formation,” he explained, emphasizing that healthy churches are built by healthy leaders who have been properly shaped in biblical truth and Christian character.
Pastor Otabil stressed that religious freedom remains essential in any democratic society because faith is deeply connected to an individual’s identity, convictions, and relationship with God. While acknowledging that abuses within ministry should be addressed, he maintained that the solution lies in stronger theological education, sound discipleship, accountability, and Christ-centered leadership rather than state control.
His remarks sparked thoughtful discussion among participants and highlighted the continuing conversation about leadership standards, church accountability, and religious liberty in Ghana and beyond.
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