David Mensah was born in a small village in rural Northern Ghana. His father died when he was a young boy, and he was sent to live with an abusive relative. He eventually escaped and struggled in life to survive.

David attended high school in Tamale, where he met several other men and women who had similar experiences with extreme poverty. These young people agreed that they would work together to help others in their situations. As part of pursuing that dream, David moved to Canada to pursue further education in theology, development, and environmental care.

David received a BA in Biblical Studies from Ontario Bible College (now Tyndale seminary), an MA from Acadia University, and a PhD in Environmental Studies from University of Toronto. While living in Canada and pursuing his education, he also pastored a congregation in the Stouffville area.

In the early 1990s, Dr. David Mensah and his Canadian wife Brenda returned to Ghana to pursue his longtime dream of alleviating poverty in his home country. As Executive Director of Northern Empowerment Association, Dr. Mensah has led a successful sustainable development project in the Janga area and has launched a large, multi-sectoral development program in the Carpenter Area.

Apart from his work with NEA, Dr. Mensah is also an influential regional chief, elected by communities in the area, and the President of the Evangelical Christ Apostolic Church denomination under which he has been influential in establishing 36 churches. When in Canada, he is a sought-after speaker and has been interviewed by several television stations, newspapers, and CBC.

More of Dr. Mensah’s life story can be found in his book titled Kwabena: An African Boy’s Journey of Faith.