The Assemblies of God, Ghana has issued a strong statement backing former President John Dramani Mahama following the decision by Lincoln University to withdraw an honorary doctorate degree previously conferred on him.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Rev Ernest Birikorang, the church described the university’s decision as one that, rather than diminishing the former president, “honours” his commitment to his beliefs and values.
The controversy stems from Lincoln University’s explanation that the withdrawal was in protest of Mr. Mahama’s stance on the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill currently before Ghana’s Parliament.
The bill, which has generated intense national and international debate, seeks to address issues surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in the country.
Reacting swiftly, the Assemblies of God, Ghana emphasized that it stands firmly with Mr. Mahama, who is a member of the church.
“From our perspective, Lincoln University’s decision does not dishonour, but rather honours President Mahama and Assemblies of God, Ghana, to which he proudly belongs,” the statement read.
Drawing on biblical parallels, the church referenced Acts 5:41, noting that the apostles “rejoiced because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name of the Lord.” According to the statement, this scriptural context reflects the church’s interpretation of the situation.
The leadership of the Assemblies of God, Ghana further revealed that there is a sense of pride and spiritual validation among its members.
“Currently, within the leadership and membership… there is nothing but joy, joy unconfined because our member has been found worthy of global disdain for his ironclad stand,” the statement asserted.
The church also revisited comments made by John Dramani Mahama prior to the 2024 general elections, during which he described homosexuality as “scripturally or biblically forbidden, morally degrading, and culturally unacceptable.”
The statement emphasized that this position has remained “resolute and unshakable.”
In addition to defending the former president, the church used the occasion to encourage its members across both public and private sectors. It urged them to remain steadfast in their faith and moral convictions, regardless of external pressures.
“Assemblies of God, Ghana urges all its members… to never compromise their spiritual principles or moral values under any circumstances,” Rev Ernest Birikorang stated in the release.
The statement also extended a call to the broader Christian community in Ghana, encouraging prayer and spiritual vigilance.
It emphasized the need for “intensity and tenacity” in prayer so that the nation may avoid what it described as moral pitfalls with far-reaching consequences.
The development adds another layer to the ongoing national conversation surrounding the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which continues to polarize opinions among political leaders, religious groups, and civil society organizations.
While critics of the bill argue that it undermines human rights and freedoms, supporters—including influential religious bodies like the Assemblies of God, Ghana—maintain that it reflects Ghanaian cultural and moral values.
The response from the church signals a broader alignment between certain religious institutions and political figures on issues of morality and legislation, particularly as Ghana navigates complex social debates.
Despite the international dimension of the controversy, the church concluded its statement with a message of national unity and faith, declaring, “God bless our homeland, Ghana.”
The reaction from Assemblies of God, Ghana is expected to further energize public discourse as stakeholders continue to weigh in on both the university’s decision and the broader legislative debate in Ghana.
Below is the full press statement
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD, GHANA REACTS TO LINCOLN UNIVERSITY’S WITHDRAWAL OF HONORARY DOCTORATE DEGREE TO PRESIDENT JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA
Assemblies of God, Ghana, is compelled to rally swiftly to the support of President John Dramani Mahama following the decision by Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, USA, to withdraw the conferment of an honorary doctorate upon him.
According to the University, its decision was made in protest against President Mahama’s position on the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill currently before Ghana’s Parliament.
From our perspective, Lincoln University’s decision does not dishonour, but rather honours President Mahama and Assemblies of God, Ghana, to which he proudly belongs.
It resonates with the biblical scenario in Acts 5:41, when “the apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name of the Lord.”
Currently, within the leadership and membership of Assemblies of God, Ghana, there is nothing but joy, joy unconfined because our member has been found worthy of global disdain for his ironclad stand against LGBTQ+ practices.
We recall with pride that before the 2024 elections, President Mahama articulated his position on homosexuality as being “scripturally or biblically forbidden,” morally degrading, and culturally unacceptable; a position that has remained resolute and unshakable.
Assemblies of God, Ghana, urges all its members serving in the public or private sectors to be encouraged by this spectacular example and to never compromise their spiritual principles or moral values under any circumstances.
We further ask our members in particular, and the Christian community in general, to pray with intensity and tenacity so that the nation may avoid the sins of LGBTQ+ and others which carry incalculable consequences.
God bless our homeland, Ghana.
(Signed)
Rev Ernest Birikorang
General Secretary
