Assemblies of God Ghana backs Mahama over withdrawn US honorary degree

The Assemblies of God, Ghana, has thrown its support behind President John Dramani Mahama following the withdrawal of an honorary doctorate by Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, United States.

The church, in a press release issued on March 25, 2026, and signed by its General Secretary, Rev. Ernest Birikorang, said it found it necessary to respond after the university announced its decision.

Lincoln University attributed the withdrawal to “unforeseen circumstances” but did not provide further details. Ghana’s Embassy in the United States later indicated that concerns had been raised by a group over the President’s perceived stance on the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill currently before Parliament.

According to the Ghana embassy, the decision was taken at the last minute. The honorary degree had already been accepted, and all arrangements for the ceremony completed, with Mr Mahama already in the United States when the communication was made. The ceremony had been scheduled for March 26, 2026.

Lincoln University has long-standing ties with Ghana. Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, studied at the institution. The honorary doctorate was intended to recognise Mr Mahama’s public service, democratic record and international engagements.

In the statement, Rev. Birikorang described the development as a mark of honour rather than a setback, stating that the decision “honours President Mahama and Assemblies of God, Ghana, to which he proudly belongs.”

He said Mr Mahama, who is a member of the church, had taken a clear position on matters relating to LGBTQ+ issues.

The statement recalled that ahead of the 2024 general election, Mr Mahama described homosexuality as “scripturally or biblically forbidden,” morally degrading and culturally unacceptable.

Ghana’s Embassy in the United States, in its response, stated that the concerns raised relate to an ongoing legislative process and reflect a broader national debate, not the position of any single individual.

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill was passed by Parliament in 2024, but was not assented to by the then-President Akufo-Addo. The bill is currently before Parliament again.

The Assemblies of God, Ghana, called on its members in both public and private life to uphold their beliefs and urged the Christian community to pray for the country in relation to the ongoing debate.