A new chapter in Ghana’s broadcast media landscape was opened over the weekend with the official launch of MBN TV, formerly known as Maranatha TV. The station, located in Nungua in the Greater Accra Region, is the result of over a decade of determined pursuit, setbacks, and an unrelenting vision, according to its founder, Bishop Francis Afotey Odai.
Bishop Afotey Odai, who also leads Maranatha Power Ministries International, recounted the station’s tumultuous journey at the launch event on Saturday, May 31. He described how a divine inspiration to start a television station was initially met with financial disappointment.
“I was in the U.S. preaching when someone promised to fund the TV project. I cut my journey short and returned, but the support never materialised—only 10% of the promise was fulfilled,” he recalled. “But I felt it was God’s will for me to own a TV station.”
This belief led to intense periods of prayer and fasting by the bishop and his team—first 40 days, then 100, and finally 212 days of all-night vigils.
“On the 212th day, two banks came to us within 24 hours and offered to fund everything we had in our hearts,” he said.
Broadcasting initially as Maranatha TV, the station faced severe challenges in its early years. Within five months, a lightning strike destroyed over 70% of its broadcasting equipment. Then in 2022, a devastating fire wiped out almost all of its facilities. With no insurance coverage to fall back on, the team had no choice but to start over from scratch.
“I went back to fasting and prayer. We used church gadgets and small cameras to start again. This year, a friend gave us nearly half the cost of a new building. That’s how we began the rebranding into MBN TV,” Bishop Afotey Odai explained.
Responding to why a pastor would be so driven to own a television station, he said:
“You have no idea the power of the media. As a missionary pastor, I travel every month. TV is a channel for the gospel. I go to islands on the Volta Lake where there’s no electricity, but people have batteries and TVs. That’s why I need it—to reach them.”
He also cautioned fellow pastors about venturing into media without clear guidance:
“If not careful, we’ll end up selling sobolo, mirror, or powder on TV. I can’t do that. Media is powerful—only go if God is sending you.”
General Manager Felix Martey Glover, a veteran media practitioner, explained that the rebranding to MBN TV is intended to position the station within the mainstream market.
“When you run a church TV, you limit your audience to just your members. Rebranding helps us attract a broader market, both corporate and retail,” he said.
Glover added that the station’s content will set it apart in Ghana’s competitive media space.
“Our morning show Morning Focus will offer variety—news, lifestyle, sports, business, and policy discussions—in English, Twi, and Ga. We’re also focused on owning community festivals and becoming the official media partner for local celebrations.”
Gracing the occasion was Sam Nartey George, Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, who pledged to support MBN TV by assisting with access to news coverage across key ministries, departments, and agencies.
