The Assemblies of God Church in Ghana has issued guidance to its clergy regarding the use of honorary doctorate titles during official and public engagements, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and integrity within the ministry.
This directive, communicated through a circular on July 11, was informed by a resolution adopted by the church’s Executive Presbytery at their May 2024 meeting.
The leadership of the church underscores that this decision is in harmony with the regulations established by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) concerning the acknowledgment of academic qualifications.
Accordingly, pastors who have received honorary doctorates, regardless of the accreditation status of the conferring institutions, are encouraged to refrain from using the title “Dr.” Moreover, ministers who possess recognized academic degrees, such as bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD qualifications, are respectfully advised to submit their certificates for authentication to GTEC prior to receiving formal recognition.
The Assemblies of God Church has expressed that adherence to this directive is essential for maintaining the integrity of the ministry.
To demonstrate commitment to this principle, they referenced General Superintendent Rev. Stephen Wengam, who has chosen not to use his honorary doctorate title.
This example is intended to encourage fellow pastors to follow suit and enhance transparency within their ministry efforts.
This initiative aligns with GTEC’s ongoing efforts to ensure the appropriate use of academic titles.
A recent situation involving Deputy Health Minister and Essikado-Ketan MP, Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, illustrates the commission’s commitment to uphold these standards.
GTEC has requested documentation of her professorial appointment by August 11, 2025. In response, her legal team, led by David K. Ametefe, has conveyed that she was duly appointed as Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Utah in the United States.
They assert that GTEC does not have the jurisdiction to question foreign appointments and consider the commission’s actions to be unfounded.
The legal representatives further indicated that if GTEC does not withdraw its letter within 14 days, they may pursue legal measures to protect their client’s reputation.
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