The Assemblies of God Church in Ghana has directed its clergy to stop attaching honorary doctorate titles to their names during official and public functions or risk suspension.

The directive, communicated to ministers in a circular issued on July 11, follows a resolution passed by the church’s Executive Presbytery at its May 2024 meeting.

Church leaders explained that the decision aligns with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission’s (GTEC) regulations on the recognition of academic qualifications.

According to the directive, pastors who have been awarded honorary doctorates—whether from accredited or unaccredited institutions—are prohibited from styling themselves as “Dr.”.

Additionally, ministers with earned academic degrees such as bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD qualifications have been advised to submit their certificates to GTEC for authentication before formal recognition can be granted.

The Assemblies of God warned that ministers who defy the directive or breach GTEC’s requirements will face disciplinary measures, including suspension from office.

To set an example, the church cited its General Superintendent, Rev. Stephen Wengam, who announced last year that although he had received an honorary doctorate, he no longer uses the “Dr.” title. Leaders urged other pastors to follow his lead to uphold transparency in ministry.

The announcement comes amid GTEC’s heightened enforcement against the misuse of academic and honorary titles.