The Assemblies of God, Ghana, has directed its ministers to stop using honorary titles such as “Dr,” in line with regulations from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
In a circular dated July 11 and signed by the church’s General Secretary, Rev. Ernest Birikorang (Ph.D.), pastors were reminded that honorary doctorates, whether from accredited or non-accredited institutions, do not equate to academic qualifications.
Those who had earned degrees were encouraged to submit their certificates for verification if they wished to have them officially recognised by the church.
The circular cautioned that ministers who ignored the directive or violated GTEC’s rules risk suspension.
It further urged pastors to emulate the church’s General Superintendent, Rev. Stephen Wengam, who stopped using the title “Dr” after receiving an honorary degree, setting an example of integrity for others.
GTEC has repeatedly warned against the misuse of academic titles, stressing that while honorary awards are symbolic, they do not confer academic or professional status.
The commission cited the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), which empowers it to sanction offenders with fines, imprisonment, or both.
