The Trinity Temple of ICGC in Kumasi has made tremendous impact by raising leaders and influenced the various communities in its jurisdiction having surmounted all the challenges to achieve its purpose of establisment after three and half decades; SETH KRAMPAH, a financial and economic journalist with Business & Financial Times and a member of the Church, takes a look at the historical perspectives of the Church as well as its current state and what the future holds for the Church.
Today, April 29, 2025, marks a monumental milestone for the Trinity Temple of International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) in Kumasi, as the Church celebrates three and half decades of practical Christianity, human dignity and excellence as the main philosophy of the Church.
The Church which was founded by its General Overseer, Dr Mensa Otabil, who is also the Chancellor of Central University, Ghana’s foremost and prestigious private university, the Church has made some significant contribution in Christian dogmas and contributed very enormously to the transformation of many lives since its establishment about forty – one years ago.
This joyous occasion presents an opportunity to reflect on the Church’s rich history, its remarkable contributions to spiritual life having surmounted all the challenges of struggling to meet the mission of its establishment and its unwavering commitment to community impact over three decades.
A Journey of Faith and Vision – The Historical Perspectives
Established April 29, 1990, exactly 35 years today, the Trinity Temple began as a small congregation with a vision to raise leaders and influence society through Christ in Kumasi and beyond. What started as a humble assembly of believers has grown into a beacon of hope, faith, and love for countless individuals and families.
Under the leadership of dedicated pastors, elders, and lay members, the church has experienced phenomenal growth. Its mission, rooted in spreading the message of Christ and empowering individuals to live a fulfilled Christian life, has remained steadfast over the years.
Trinity Temple as it is now known, began as a small group of four believers somewhere in 1989 in Ayigya, Kumasi. It was then a Covenant family as it is called in ICGC in one of the four members’ house.
As committed as they were, these men and women won some souls and were meeting eventually in the garage of that house as a church. As the numbers increased, there was the need to move out of the house and locate a bigger place of worship. As some members of ICGC Accra had been relocated to Kumasi and were told that of the existence of ICGC Kumasi.
The Ministries canteen at Adum in Kumasi was then located and used for church services in the afternoons of Sundays, (i.e. 12.30pm – 3pm). In the afternoons because another church was meeting in the same place in the mornings of Sundays.
In fact, from the times of the beginning as four members through to about a hundred and above to the meetings in the Ministries canteen, the church was led by Rev. Frank Opoku-Amoako as the first pastor of the Assembly.
You will agree with me that anything that has a great potential of growth will definitely encounter some challenges through which Rev Frank Opoku Amoako was transferred to Cape Coast.
After some years, Rev. Frank Opoku-Amoako was transferred back to Kumasi to pastor the Church. The church located a meeting place at Asafo opposite Menka Memorial Hotel, where an All-Believers’ Summit was held as a form of re-inaugurating ICGC Kumasi. Dr. Mensa Otabil came to Kumasi with the entire Christ Temple Choir and most of the leadership of the church to help in the summit.
Due to some intense litigation over the premises, an injunction was placed on the premises and the church had to vacate it after meeting there for some few months. Again this ejection was on a Tuesday, when the members were gathering for a teaching service.
The Pastor in charge then, Rev. Frank Opoku-Amoako, was sent to the police station, to sit behind the counter and was not to let go until all that belonged to the church placed in the auditorium were removed that evening. This decision was to be communicated to the entire church within the week, as well as where the church will be meeting for its Sunday service.
God being so good, KTI leadership welcomed the church and gave their Cafeteria and sometimes their auditorium for Sunday services. Weekday services were held at YMCA-Adum. Rev. Frank Opoku-Amoako was then assisted by Rev. George Deuter Mensah.
At the annual ICGC Camp meeting in 1998 in Accra, Dr. Otabil led the entire ICGC worldwide at one of its meetings to take an offering in support of Kumasi Church so as to help pay off the land.
The church then began its building project with the plot which had a structure on. Upon technical advice from a structural engineer in the church, the structure was to be pulled down, since if roofed could carve in. The entire membership helped in collecting the debris after it was pulled down, so as to give way for the actual building. The project began while the church still met at KTI and YMCA.
In the year 2001, the church having done some significant work on its building, decided to move finally to its present location at Kwadaso Ohwimase under the leadership of Rev. Frank Opoku-Amoako.
He later moved outside the country and Rev. Samuel Fening Nimako took over for the period 2001 – 2006, he was later transferred to Accra and Rev. John Abu-Baidoo took over from 2007 to 2021, after which Rev. Sylvanus Sowah Odotei took over from 2021 till date as the current Senior Pastor and Regional Overseer of the Trinity Temple of ICGC in Kumasi.
Rev. Sowah Odotei and his wife Lady Mrs Mercy Odotei acknowledge and recognize the hard work of his predecessors and poised to do more for the Church’s growth in line with the philosophy and vision of the Founder.
Inauguration
ICGC Kumasi was inaugurated on 29th April 1990 exactly thirty-five years today in the Ministries Canteen by the leadership of ICGC from Accra as a “Tabernacle of Witness”.
The church continued with its Sunday worship in the Ministries Canteen for about a year and half while its covenant family meetings in the various localities served as the core for its growth.
Somewhere in 1991, the church relocated to the top floor of the present-day Ultimate Fashions, a very popular business location at the central business district at Adum for all its services, this time the Sunday services were in the mornings.
Here, the work of the Lord in the church improved tremendously as living to its name the ‘Tabernacle of Witness”. Later on, Rev. Frank Amoako was transferred to Cape Coast. The church continued with all its meetings in this place for about three years under the leadership of three Pastors and later another Pastor from Accra was transferred to assist.
Milestones and Achievements
Over the past 35 years, the Trinity Temple has achieved numerous milestones that bear testimony to God’s faithfulness and the dedication of its members. From its early days of gathering in a small, rented space to the construction of a magnificent edifice that serves as a place of worship and a community hub, the church’s story is one of perseverance and divine provision.
The church has also distinguished itself as a center of excellence in various ministries, including youth outreach, women’s empowerment, and community service. Its dynamic worship services, impactful sermons, and engaging programs have drawn individuals from all walks of life, creating a diverse and vibrant congregation.
Transforming Lives Through Service
Central to the vision of the Trinity Temple is its commitment to serving humanity. Over the years, the church has spearheaded numerous initiatives that address the spiritual, educational, and social needs of the community.
ICGC as a Church scholarship programs have enabled underprivileged children to access quality education, while its healthcare outreaches particularly support of the Psychiatry Unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi through its special offering for healthy minds initiative. ha
Additionally, the church’s food distribution programs and disaster relief efforts have brought hope to many during challenging times. The Trinity Temple’s commitment to social responsibility exemplifies the love of Christ in action.
A Hub for Spiritual Growth
The Trinity Temple has established itself as a center for spiritual growth and discipleship. Its vibrant Bible study groups, prayer meetings, and leadership training programs have equipped members to deepen their faith and make meaningful contributions to society.
The Church’s emphasis on developing godly leaders has borne fruit, as many of its members have gone on to serve in various capacities within the church and beyond.
The annual revival programs and conferences hosted by the Trinity Temple have become major highlights on the church calendar, attracting participants from across the region and beyond. These gatherings have not only strengthened the faith of attendees but have also fostered unity and collaboration among churches.
Looking to the Future
As the Trinity Temple celebrates its 35th anniversary, it is not only a time to look back with gratitude but also to look forward with renewed vision and determination. The church is poised to continue its mission of transforming lives and impacting society for the glory of God.
Plans are already underway to expand the church’s outreach programs, enhance its infrastructure, and explore innovative ways to share the gospel in an ever-changing world. The Trinity Temple remains committed to being a light in the community, inspiring hope and faith in generations to come
A Call to Celebrate
The leadership and congregation of the Trinity Temple invite everyone to join in celebrating this significant milestone. The anniversary festivities, scheduled to take place from April 28, till the end of the year promise to be a time of worship, reflection, and fellowship.
Highlights of the celebration will include a thanksgiving service, a musical concert, and a special outreach program to give back to the community.
As the Trinity Temple marks its 35th year, it stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when a community of believers unites in faith and purpose. Its journey serves as an inspirationall who seek to make a difference in the world through the love of Christ.
