Assemblies of God,Ghana has issued a directive instructing all its pastors to desist from using honorary doctorate titles such as “Dr.” 

The decision, communicated through a circular dated July 11, 2025, and signed by the General Secretary, Rev. Ernest Birikorang (Ph.D.), follows a resolution by the Executive Presbytery at its May 2024 meeting.

According to the statement, the directive aligns with the regulations of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), which governs the use of academic and professional titles in the country.

Drop title

The church emphasised that no pastor should use honorary doctorate degrees as academic or professional titles. It further instructed pastors who have received honorary doctorates, whether from accredited or non-accredited institutions, to drop the use of the title “Dr.”

Additionally, the circular urged pastors with earned degrees—such as bachelor’s, master’s, and PhDs—to submit their certificates to GTEC for confirmation and clearance if they wish for their credentials to be officially recognised by the denomination.

Suspension

Assemblies of God,Ghana warned that any pastor who disregards the directive or finds themselves in conflict with GTEC regulations will face suspension.

The letter cited the example of the church’s General Superintendent, Rev. Stephen Y. Wengam, who, despite being conferred an honorary doctorate, publicly renounced the use of the title “Dr.” last year and encouraged others to do same.

“We encourage all Pastors to follow the example of our General Superintendent,” the statement read, adding that the directive is intended to ensure compliance with national regulations and uphold integrity within the church.

The circular, copied to members of the Executive Presbytery, concluded with an appeal for the cooperation of all pastors across the country.

GTEC

It will be recalled that in May 2025 the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) issued a final warning to the general public, urging individuals to stop the use of honorary doctorate and professorship titles in official or everyday capacities.

In a statement released by the Commission, GTEC reiterated its earlier caution in April 2025 emphasising that the continued use of such titles is unethical, misleading, and undermines the integrity of the country’s higher education system.

The Commission particularly warned politicians, business executives, clergy, and other public figures to desist from using honorary titles as formal academic qualifications.