The General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church, Pastor Mensa Otabil, has said the COVID-19 pandemic presents the finest moment for third world countries in Africa to industrialise.

Speaking at the first night of Greater Works Conference 2021, Pastor Otabil explained that it takes disruptions for opportunities to be created and urged African countries to capitalise on the space created.

“I believe COVID-19 is a strategic battle that Africa must fight and win”, he stressed.

Pastor Otabil indicated that owing to COVID-19 protocols, the church was compelled to shrink the 2021 Greater Works Conference time, which, hitherto, lasted for about four hours, to two, in line with the recent protocols announced by the president, as part of measures to curb the pandemic.

The first day also saw music ministration by Harmonious Chorale and Regimental Band; the Greater Works Praise team and Hymns Choir, as well as Sandra Huson Kelly.

This is the first time in two years that the Greater Works Conference is being organised following the cancelation of the 2020 edition due to the coronavirus pandemic that resulted in a ban on religious and outdoor activities.

Pastor Otabil used the opportunity to officially mark the end of the 40 Days of Power – a fasting and prayer programme through which members of the International Central Gospel Church wait before the Lord for divine empowerment.

Speaking on the topic, ‘Just in Time’, Pastor Otabil said God is ushering His people into signs and supernatural breakthroughs.

He made reference to Joshua chapter 10 and explained that Joshua decided to fight a battle not meant for him because it was strategic.

“Sometimes, God will give you strategic fights to battle; if you see like Joshua, it’s God’s opportunity”.

Pastor Otabil reiterated his belief in the African and the black race to rise above current challenges.

He said he is a full believer of the reason God made Africans black, adding, “God does not make mistakes”.

The General Overseer recalled that even though Africa is liberated in line with Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s famous declaration, the continent does not appear to have won the economic battle and Africa is still “marching in the night”.

He said although Africans have been struggling and there appears to be no end in sight, God’s in-time-delivery system will be handed over and “suddenly”, the tyranny and economic oppression will end.

He referred pessimists to the Chinese takeover of the world.

The church also spent time to pray for Ghana, the African continent and the world.