From intelligence officer to gospel soldier: the journey of Kofi Owusu Peprah
For many, the worlds of national security and gospel music could not be further apart. But for Kofi Owusu Peprah, a former officer of Ghana’s Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), now the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), that unlikely transition was a matter of calling.
Four years ago, Kofi faced a life-changing decision. At the time, his bosses at the BNI had queried him during a live radio interview, questioning his involvement in music — an activity deemed incompatible with the ethics of the profession. He was asked to choose between his career in national intelligence and his growing passion for gospel music.
He chose the latter.
“Resigning wasn’t easy, especially as a young married man with a family,” he recalled in an interview with the Daily Graphic. “But when you have passion and purpose, you learn to trust the process. Today, arresting souls for God through music has become my new mission.”
That leap of faith has since been validated by the resounding success of his recent ‘Kofi Owusu Peprah Live’ concert, held at the Cedar Mountain Chapel, East Legon, on Sunday, August 17. The event, which featured fellow gospel greats like Luigi Maclean, Cindy Thompson, Bernard Twumasi, and the Harmonious Chorale, drew a spirit-filled crowd whose joy affirmed his decision.
“While on stage that night, many things ran through my mind,” he admitted. “I thought of the sacrifices I had made, but when I saw the faces of the patrons, I felt fulfilled. The journey has been worth it.”
Turning Points and Sacrifices
This was not the first time Kofi turned adversity into opportunity. As a student at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), he initially made a name for himself as a bass guitarist. But with stiff competition on campus, he seldom got the chance to showcase his skills.
“I realised many people played the bass guitar better than I did,” he said with a smile. “So, instead of giving up, I shifted to singing — and that decision has brought me this far.”
Music, however, was not entirely foreign to him. His late father, Rev. George Owusu Mensah, was a strong influence on his musical path. In fact, Kofi honoured his father with a rendition of one of his songs, ‘Matwen’, which he retitled ‘The Father’s Gift’.
Since then, he has released powerful tracks such as ‘Amen’, ‘Big God’, ‘Ruach Hakodesh’, ‘Nyame Tumfo’, and a Worship Medley, all of which followed his 2018 debut, ‘Yesu Nyame Ba’.
Music, Money, and Ministry
With his popularity steadily rising, Kofi has become a regular feature at major gospel events. Yet, the growing debate over whether gospel artistes should charge performance fees is one he approaches with balance.
“We have not been called to make money out of ministry,” he said thoughtfully. “At the same time, event organisers must understand that musicians have teams to support and logistics to handle. Fair compensation ensures sustainability. But let’s not make it all about money; after all, how much could you charge for the message of the cross?”
Family and Faith
Born in Kumasi to Rev. George Owusu Mensah and Mrs. Bernice Owusu Mensah, Kofi is the third of five children. He is married to Barbara Ama Asantewaa Mensah, a fashion designer, and together they are building a life founded on faith and purpose.
He began his basic education at Grace Baptist School in Kumasi before continuing at Kumasi Anglican Secondary School (Great Akass). At KNUST, he pursued Agriculture Mechanisation, graduating in 2014, while serving as Music Director for both the National Union of Baptist Students and the University Mass Choir. Later, in 2016, he earned a Diploma in Church Music from the Ghana Baptist University College.
Growing up in a pastor’s home, Kofi’s musical influences were rooted in gospel greats like Ron Kenoly, Don Moen, Hosanna Music, and Integrity Music. Though he never planned to be a musician, he believes his path was divinely orchestrated.
“I never really planned to do music — I just found myself in it. And every time I did it, it worked,” he said. “Maybe I was born a musician, but I didn’t discover it until my university days.”
A Message to Fellow Gospel Artistes
In an industry often plagued by rivalries, Kofi calls for unity.
“As Gospel musicians, we must turn a blind eye to competition,” he urged. “We are on the same mission — the Great Commission. At the end of the day, we carry one message: the salvation of Jesus Christ.”
For Kofi Owusu Peprah, leaving behind the badge of the intelligence service for the mantle of gospel ministry has not only been fulfilling but also life-transforming. From enforcing security laws to enforcing kingdom principles, he continues to prove that true purpose is found where passion and calling meet.
SOURCE: graphic.com.gh
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