Mensa Otabil opens up about his role in Capital Bank

The General Overseer of International Central Gospel Church, Dr Mensa Otabil has finally opened up about his involvement in Capital Bank.

Since the news broke out exactly a year ago today, Dr Otabil has been criticized by a lot of people with some even calling him a “thief”.

you @MensaOtabil that you say you are intelligent nu, you have stand there saa for people to mislead you. so when you guys agreed to increase your salaries what were you thinking. you have preached about ‘misleading’ saaa!!! you think we are fools eh! thief!

— mutombo (@MutomboDaPoet) August 12, 2018

If this is what Pastor Mensa Otabil and his friends did in a bank with a Class 1 license in a regulated industry, we can only imagine what they’re doing in a church where they account to no one.

— Nana Ama A. Asante (@JustNanaAma) August 10, 2018

Not long ago, his church made it clear they stand by him and that also drew criticisms from people.
Today, Dr Otabil in a statement said he has been praying for those who lost their jobs.
While people thought he owned the defunct bank, Dr Otabil said he accepted the role “of Capital Bank Board Chairman in a bid to help strengthen a promising Ghanaian enterprise that had a potential but also challenges.”

Further, he indicated that he has been invited for questioning by state institutions in their quest to find out exactly what happened.

PRESS RELEASE FROM PASTOR MENSA OTABIL

RE: CAPITAL BANK AND RELATED MATTERS

Greetings!

1. I have observed with concern, the ongoing media discussions regarding developments in the Banking Sector and my role either directly or indirectly.

2. I accepted to be Board Chairman of Capital Bank in a bid to help strengthen a promising Ghanaian enterprise that had potential but also challenges. I was excited about the prospects of a young man from a disadvantaged background who was daring to create opportunities and employment.

3. My position was a non-executive role. I was therefore not involved in the day-to-day management and operations of the Bank.

4. In the course of time, some decisions made turned out well while some did not turn out as well as had been anticipated. As far as I can tell, everything was done with the best of intentions and the interest of various stakeholders in mind.

5. My foremost concern, as has been the case over the past year, is for the well-being of those who lost their jobs and those who may have been adversely affected in any way as a result of these developments. My heart goes out to them and to their dependents. I continue to pray for God’s guidance and sustenance as they navigate the course of their lives.

6. Since the takeover of the bank exactly a year ago today, various mandated state institutions have been investigating and working to arrive at a comprehensive understanding of what happened, why it happened and who was responsible for what. I have been invited by EOCO and I have submitted myself to their processes and answered all their questions faithfully.

7. For some time now, many discussion platforms have made varied references to me and to my perceived role. Some have reached out to me for clarifications regarding issues that have been raised.  I have preferred not to respond in the public domain, not as an admission of guilt, but out of respect for the due process and the ongoing investigations.

8. Notwithstanding some unforeseen outcomes, I remain resolute in my belief in the Ghanaian and African entrepreneurial spirit. I will therefore continue to lend my support and mentorship to inspire others who dare to dream and work towards the promise of Africa’s growth and transformation.

9. Meanwhile, as a believer in the rule of law, I will continue to cooperate with the mandated institutions of state as they complete their investigations. I am confident that in the process, the national interest and the rights of all parties involved will be protected.

Shalom, peace and life to you.

Signed,

Pastor Mensa Otabil.

14th August, 2018.