Apostle Eric Essandoh Anim Otoo has been elected as the General Overseer of The Lord’s Pentecostal Church International at the 58th General Conference of the church.
The 48-year-old educationist and theologian, who is the current General Secretary and Ashaiman Area Head of the church, takes over from Apostle Richard Buafor, who has served as General Overseer of the church for the past 15 years.
Apostle Otoo was elected by more than 150 apostles, pastors, prophets, elders, and leaders (APPEL) from all over the world, who constitute the electoral college of the church.
The election of the General Overseer, which climaxed the 58th Annual General Conference of the church, at its Divine Healing Station at Tokokoe in the Ho Municipality, was peaceful.
Apostle David Khorbs, also a theologian and educationist and the Israel Area head of the church, Rev. John Nipah, a chartered accountant and the Batsonaa Area head of the church, were the other contestants.
Apostle Otoo polled more than 52 per cent of the ballot cast, making him the fifth General Overseer of the church.
Apostle Otoo holds a Master of Philosophy degree in Religions from the University Ghana, Legon, a Bachelor of Theology from the Trinity Theological Seminary, Legon, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Cape Coast, and a Diploma in Ministry from the Christian Leadership Bible Training Institute (CLBTS) in Accra.
In his acceptance speech, Apostle Otoo thanked conference delegates and all members of the church for the confidence reposed in him.
He said he was aware of the onerous responsibility being placed on him and called on all members of the church to keep praying for him.
He revealed that, having served as General Secretary of the church for the past ten years, “I know that this is a taller order and I cannot even attempt to say I am going to step into the big shoes of Apostle Buafor. I would rather consult him in formulating all my strategies.”
Apostle Otoo said he believed that his predecessor would serve as a fountain of wisdom “and I would call on him day and night for advice”.
Also elected at the ceremony, was Rev. Gilbert Kogbe, the Nsawam Area head of the church, who beat off competition from Rev. Paul Sowu, Pastor-in-Charge of the Legon-Madina Branch of the church, to become the eight General Secretary of the church.
Rev. Kogbe polled about 72 per cent of the votes, while his contestant, Rev. Sowu polled 28 per cent.
All the contestants pledged allegiance to the winning candidates and promised to rally their members and use all within their capacities to support the new team of leaders.
Rev. Paul Sowu also added that he would use all his expertise to support the new leadership of the church, adding that, “we shall use all that we have learned over the years to support the new leaders, because that is the only way the church will grow”.
The full complement of Executive Council of the church include; Apostle Eric Essandoh Anim Otoo, General Overseer-elect; Rev. Gilbert Kogbe, General Secretary-elect; Rev. Paul Sowu, Director of Missions; Apostle David Livingston Dzeble, Director of Operations; Apostle Daniel Wright Quarshie, Director of Projects and Special Developments; Rev. Dr Chris Sokpor, Director of Finance; Rev. (Mrs) Vida Agbo, Director of Christian Education; Apostle Benson Menka, and Prophet David Agyemang Badu, both Pastors’ representatives; Deacon Richard Ameworwor, Men’s Fellowship representative; Deacon Timothy Barazo Agbley (esq.), Member; Mrs Gloria Dometsu and Deaconess Justina Teiko Amiteye, both Women’s Fellowship representatives.
