Our History
A Legacy of Faith. A Future of Impact.
The story of Full Gospel Church International is a testimony of God's faithfulness, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel. From a humble prayer fellowship in Tema, FGCI has grown into one of Ghana's pioneering charismatic churches, impacting countless lives through evangelism, discipleship, and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
Our History
A Legacy of Faith.
The story of Full Gospel Church International is a testimony of God's faithfulness, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel. From a humble prayer fellowship in Tema, FGCI has grown into one of Ghana's pioneering charismatic churches, impacting countless lives through evangelism, discipleship, and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
Preamble
The history of Christianity in Ghana cannot be told without recognizing the remarkable contribution of Full Gospel Church International (FGCI). Founded by the late Very Rev. Emmanuel Ashong Mensah, the church played a significant role in bringing the charismatic movement to the forefront of Christianity in Ghana. Driven by extraordinary faith, perseverance, sacrifice, and a deep love for God, Rev. Mensah established a ministry that would become a beacon of revival, healing, and evangelism. Today, his legacy continues to inspire generations as FGCI remains committed to proclaiming the Gospel and transforming lives around the world.
Preamble
The history of Christianity in Ghana cannot be told without recognizing the remarkable contribution of Full Gospel Church International (FGCI). Founded by the late Very Rev. Emmanuel Ashong Mensah, the church played a significant role in bringing the charismatic movement to the forefront of Christianity in Ghana. Driven by extraordinary faith, perseverance, sacrifice, and a deep love for God, Rev. Mensah established a ministry that would become a beacon of revival, healing, and evangelism. Today, his legacy continues to inspire generations as FGCI remains committed to proclaiming the Gospel and transforming lives around the world.
THE LIFE OF EMMANUEL A. MENSAH
CHILDHOOD & EDUCATION
Emmanuel Ashong Mensah was born on 7th May 1928 at Osu, Accra, Ghana to the late Nortey Quaye Mensah, a farmer from Boi and Rebecca Abla, a trader who migrated from Tsito in the Volta Region to Boi through Akoboi.
He was the last of seven children and started working at the tender age of ten due to poverty. Through basket weaving, he educated himself and enrolled in Class One at Osu Presbyterian Primary School in 1945 at age seventeen. He later attended the Presbyterian Middle Boarding School at Akoboi and completed in 1952.
He furthered his knowledge with a two-year correspondence course in Marketing and Management (1952–1953) from the Rapid Results College of London, UK.
HIS FAMILY
He married his first wife, Catherine Mensah, at the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Abossey Okai, Accra in 1955. They were blessed with six children:
Samuel Nii Mensah
Enoch Narku Mensah (deceased)
Edmund Adumuah Mensah
Daniel Narh Mensah
Patience Naa Shorme Mensah
Ebenezer Narteh Mensah
After the demise of his wife in 1998, he married Madam Sarah Kai Mensah in 2005. He went to be with the Lord in 2009.
BORN AGAIN EXPERIENCE
He surrendered his life to the Lord Jesus Christ at a T. L. Osborne crusade at the old Polo Grounds in 1954.
Through the discipleship of his elder brother, Robert Danso Mensah, he became committed to God and the Presbyterian Church of Ghana.
He was baptized by the late Rev. Charles Owuo and served as a Presbyterian lay preacher.
After moving to Tema, he continued in the Presbyterian Church of the Greenwich Meridian Congregation, taking part in evangelism and church planting.
To equip himself for ministry, he attended the Presbyterian Training Centre at Abetifi-Kwahu in 1964 for a course in Evangelism.
THE WORKS (MINISTRY)
Inspired by the admonition of Rev. Kumi at Abetifi-Kwahu, Rev. Mensah started a prayer group in the Presbyterian Church, Meridian Congregation, Tema to address spiritual lethargy and the many challenges facing people.
Operating in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, with signs, miracles, healings and prayers in tongues, his ministry drew people from many denominations seeking answers and breakthroughs.
Due to opposition from church authorities who did not accept the charismatic expressions, he and his wife Catherine began another prayer group in their home at Site 21, Tema, with other committed members. Worship included clapping, dancing and praying in tongues.
His practices were resisted, and he was accused of turning the church into a “Sunyani or Akyem worship centre.” Sensing danger to his calling, Rev. Mensah and his group eventually separated from the Presbyterian Church.
Through prayer, sacrifice and unwavering faith, Rev. Emmanuel A. Mensah laid the foundation of Full Gospel Church International—a movement that has since impacted countless lives in Ghana and beyond.
