The Assemblies of God Church, Ghana, has directed its ministers to stop using honorary doctorate titles in official and public engagements or face suspension.
The directive, issued in a circular on July 11, stems from a resolution adopted by the church’s Executive Presbytery at its May 2024 meeting. Church leadership explained that the decision is in line with regulations of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) on the recognition of academic qualifications.
Under the new policy, pastors who have been awarded honorary doctorates—whether by accredited or unaccredited institutions—are barred from presenting themselves as “Dr.”.
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Ministers holding earned academic degrees such as bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD qualifications are further required to submit their certificates to GTEC for verification before such titles are officially acknowledged by the church.
The Assemblies of God cautioned that defying this directive or breaching GTEC’s standards will attract disciplinary action, including suspension.
To lead by example, the church pointed to its General Superintendent, Rev. Stephen Wengam, who announced last year that despite receiving an honorary doctorate, he no longer uses the title “Dr.”. Leaders encouraged other pastors to emulate this gesture as a mark of integrity and transparency in ministry.
The directive follows GTEC’s intensified clampdown on the misuse of academic and honorary titles across the country.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem