The Assemblies of God, Ghana, has expressed strong support for President John Dramani Mahama after Lincoln University in the United States withdrew an honorary doctorate it had planned to confer on him.
In a press statement dated March 25, 2026, and signed by its General Secretary, Rev. Ernest Birikorang, the church said it found it necessary to respond after the university rescinded the honour under what it described as “unforeseen circumstances.”
The decision, which came just days before the scheduled ceremony on March 26, was reportedly communicated after all arrangements had been finalised and with Mr Mahama already in the United States. The honorary degree had been intended to recognise his public service, democratic credentials and international engagements.
Lincoln University, which has historic links with Ghana—including educating the country’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah—did not provide detailed reasons for the withdrawal. However, Ghana’s diplomatic mission in the US indicated that concerns had been raised by a group regarding Mr Mahama’s perceived position on the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill currently before Parliament.
Responding to the development, the Assemblies of God, Ghana framed the situation in a positive light, describing it as symbolic recognition rather than a setback.
Rev. Birikorang stated that the decision “honours President Mahama and Assemblies of God, Ghana, to which he proudly belongs.”
The church also referenced Mr Mahama’s previously stated views on LGBTQ+ matters, noting that ahead of the 2024 general election, he described homosexuality as “scripturally or biblically forbidden,” morally degrading and culturally unacceptable.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s Embassy in the United States clarified that the concerns raised are tied to an ongoing national legislative process and reflect a broader societal debate, rather than the stance of a single individual.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, first passed by Parliament in 2024 but not assented to by then-President Nana Akufo-Addo, has since been reintroduced and remains under consideration.
The Assemblies of God, Ghana, in its statement, further called on its members in both public and private life to remain steadfast in their beliefs, while urging the Christian community to pray for national guidance amid the ongoing debate.
