A coalition of Ghana’s most prominent Apostolic church leaders has issued a declaration in support of President John Mahama, following the reported withdrawal of an honorary doctorate by Lincoln University in Pennsylvania.

The university had planned to honour President Mahama for his public service and global leadership but reportedly rescinded the recognition due to his opposition to LGBTQI+ ideologies and his support for Ghana’s ongoing legislative process regarding anti-LGBTQI+ bills.

In response, the Apostolic Fathers of Ghana, a group of influential Pentecostal and charismatic leaders, described the controversy not as a loss, but as a revelation of true character.

"In what was meant to diminish honour, we perceive a paradox: for true honour is not bestowed by institutions alone but is revealed in moments where conviction is tested," the declaration reads.

The statement, signed by Bishop Dr. Gideon Titi-Ofei on behalf of 17 senior clergy — including Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, Archbishop Dr. Charles Agyinasare, and Apostle General Sam Korankye Ankrah — praises Mahama for refusing to yield to what they called "the shifting winds of global opinion."

"His Excellency has risen, not diminished, but elevated," the clergy declared.

They characterized Mahama’s stance as "the narrow path of conviction, anchored in the enduring values of his people, guided by conscience, and aligned with the moral architecture that defines nations."

The Apostolic Fathers were careful to frame their support not as a partisan political endorsement, but as a defence of cultural and spiritual integrity.

"His Excellency's principled stance against the promotion of LGBTQI+ ideologies and his fidelity to the ongoing legislative process in Ghanaian Parliament transcends politics," the statement said. "It is a reflection of courage, quiet yet unyielding, firm yet measured, and principled yet respectful."

They added that such leadership "does not merely govern a nation — it shapes its identity and secures its future."

The declaration also served as a pointed message to the international community, reaffirming Ghana’s sovereignty over its moral and cultural direction.

"Ghana remains a sovereign nation, shaped by its history, defined by its cultural values, and guided by a moral vision that cannot be outsourced nor overridden," the clergy wrote.

The statement concluded with a prayer for Mahama, asking that God would "strengthen your resolve, enlarge your wisdom, and crown your leadership with enduring legacy."

"History will not remember the noise of opposition, but the nobility of conviction," the declaration read. "In that history, your name shall be written among those who stood firm when it mattered most."

Lincoln University, a historically Black institution in Pennsylvania, has not issued a public statement detailing the reasons for the withdrawal.

However, sources indicate the decision followed internal and external pressure related to President Mahama’s public comments and actions regarding LGBTQI+ rights, a polarizing issue in Ghana, where same-sex relations are already criminalized and proposed legislation has drawn international condemnation.

Full statement below:

Apostolic Fathers Of Ghana’s declaration In Honour Of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama

There are moments in the life of a nation when the clamor of politics falls silent, and something deeper, something ancient and eternal rises to speak. Today is such a moment.

We, the enlisted Apostolic Fathers of Ghana, speak today not only to our beloved nation but to the conscience of the world.

With solemn reflection and spiritual discernment, we have taken note of the reported withdrawal, by the Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, of the Honorary Doctorate intended to be conferred upon His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, a recognition originally meant to celebrate his remarkable contribution to public service and global leadership. Yet, in what was meant to diminish honour, we perceive a paradox: for true honour is not bestowed by institutions alone but is revealed in moments where conviction is tested.

And in such a moment, His Excellency has risen, not diminished, but elevated.

For leadership is most authentic when it stands firm at the crossroads of pressure and principle. In an era where many yield to the shifting winds of global opinion, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama has chosen the narrow path of conviction, anchored in the enduring values of his people, guided by conscience, and aligned with the moral architecture that defines nations.

To the people of Ghana, he stands as a son of the soil who has not forgotten the sacred rhythms of our culture.

To the global community, he emerges as a statesman who understands that true leadership is not conformity, but clarity of purpose.

We therefore declare, without reservation, that His Excellency’s principled stance against the promotion of LGBTQI+ ideologies and his fidelity to the ongoing legislative process in Ghanaian Parliament transcends politics. It is a reflection of courage, quiet yet unyielding, firm yet measured, and principled yet respectful. Such leadership does not merely govern a nation, it shapes its identity and secures its future.

In him, we behold not only a President, but a steward of national dignity, a guardian of cultural heritage, and a voice that refuses to be silenced in the face of overwhelming external currents.

As Apostolic Fathers, we are guided not only by civic responsibility but by divine accountability. We are compelled to affirm that leadership grounded in truth, conscience, and moral clarity must not only be supported, it must be honoured, amplified, and preserved.

We therefore extend our unwavering solidarity and profound admiration to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama. We assure him that he does not stand alone. Behind him stands a people rooted in faith, a nation rich in heritage, and a spiritual community that discerns the weight of this moment.

To the watching world, we say this: Ghana remains a sovereign nation, shaped by its history, defined by its cultural values, and guided by a moral vision that cannot be outsourced nor overridden.

And to His Excellency, we offer both prayer and proclamation.

May the Almighty God, the Governor among the nations, strengthen your resolve, enlarge your wisdom, and crown your leadership with enduring legacy.

May your voice remain steady, your path remain clear, and your courage continue to inspire not only this generation, but generations yet unborn.

For history will not remember the noise of opposition, but the nobility of conviction.

And in that history, your name shall be written among those who stood firm when it mattered most.

May God bless His Excellency John Dramani Mahama. May God bless the Republic of Ghana.

And may righteousness, justice, and truth forever define our place among the nations.

Signed;

Bishop Dr. Gideon Titi-Ofei for the underlisted Apostolic Fathers

1. Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams

2. Archbishop Dr. Charles Agyinasare

3. Apostle General Sam Korankye Ankrah

4. Bishop Nii Apiakai Tackie-Yarboi

5. Rev. Dr. Robert Ampiah-Kwofie

6. Bishop Victor Osei

7. Rev. Eastwood Anaba

8. Rev. Steve Mensah

9. Rev. Bob Asare

10. Bishop Gordon Kisseih

11. Bishop Dr. Samuel N. Mensah

12. Bishop Adu Gyamfi

12. Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Markwei

13. Rev. Dr. Seth Ablorh

14. Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh

15. Rev Dr  Isaac Quaye

16. ⁠Rev. Dr. Anyani Boadum

17. Bishop Adu Gyamfi