The World Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church has elected Professor Robert Osei Bonsu, a Ghanaian pastor and scholar, as one of its Vice Presidents at its ongoing General Conference Session in St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America.

His elevation makes him the second Ghanaian to attain such a high-ranking position at the Church’s General Conference, following Pastor Matthew Bediako, who served as Secretary to the global body for over a decade.

Prior to his new role, Prof Osei Bonsu served as President of the West-Central Africa Division (WAD) of the SDA Church, which spans 22 countries across West and Central Africa.

A renowned theologian and seasoned administrator, Prof Osei Bonsu brings to the global leadership of the church decades of experience in pastoral ministry, theological education, and institutional management.

 He was ordained in August 1998 and has served in various capacities in Ghana and abroad, including as Associate Professor of Historical and Theological Studies, Dean, and PhD Programme Coordinator at the Adventist University of Africa in Kenya.

He also served as Pro‑Vice Chancellor of Valley View University from 2002 to 2018, and as Rector of its Techiman campus.

In June 2022, he was elected President of the West‑Central Africa Division, under which he launched the flagship evangelistic drive, WAD IMPACT 2025, aimed at gospel outreach, family strengthening, youth empowerment, and community transformation.

Under his leadership, the Division achieved a significant five per cent membership growth, recording more than  42,000 baptisms in a year, with a goal to surpass one million baptised members in spite of complex socio-political challenges.

Prof Osei Bonsu is a committed Christian with a passion for integrating faith and learning.

He is widely respected for his leadership, academic contributions, and commitment to mission work, and is frequently invited to international conferences and seminars.

His new responsibilities include supporting the global administrative coordination of the Church, mentoring church leaders worldwide, and advancing strategic initiatives aligned with the Church’s mission.

During a visit to Burkina Faso in July 2024, Prof Osei Bonsu actively promoted peace and social development by engaging with church structures and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), reflecting his commitment to holistic ministry.

Commenting on his feat, Dr Nana Sifa Twum, Elder of the SDA Church and Media and Communications Consultant, described Prof Osei Bonsu’s election as “historic and inspiring, not only to Ghanaian Adventists but also to the wider Ghanaian society.”

He told the Ghana News Agency in an interview Monday that the professor’s influence on theological training, pastoral preparation, church growth, and public engagement across the West-Central African region, was profound.

Dr Sifa Twum, who is also the Acting Board Chairman of the Ghana News Agency, said the elevated pastor would continue to champion theological integrity and biblical faithfulness, and also ensure doctrinal purity. 

Promoting education and youth engagement would be a priority, he noted, adding that he would also  support Adventist Education by pushing for stronger assistance for Adventist universities in Africa.

“Prof Osei-Bonsu will ensure that  they remain competitive and mission-focused, as well as encourage intentional investment in youth leadership development, mentorship programmes, and Adventist identity formation,” he added.