The Assemblies of God, Ghana, has thrown its weight behind former President John Dramani Mahama following the controversial withdrawal of an honorary doctorate by Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, United States.
In a press release issued on March 25, 2026, the church’s General Secretary, Rev. Ernest Birikorang, described the development not as a setback, but as a “mark of honour” for both the former president and the church.
The decision by Lincoln University, which cited “unforeseen circumstances,” came at the last minute. Mr Mahama had already arrived in the US and all arrangements for the ceremony, scheduled for March 26, had been finalised. Ghana’s Embassy in the US later indicated that the objections stemmed from concerns by a group over Mr Mahama’s perceived stance on the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill currently before Parliament.
Rev. Birikorang’s statement underscored Mr Mahama’s membership in the Assemblies of God, noting that the former president has 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.
The church called on its members in both public and private life to uphold their beliefs and urged the Christian community to pray for the country amid the ongoing debate.
Lincoln University has long-standing historical ties with Ghana; the country’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, studied at the institution. The university had intended to recognise Mr Mahama for his public service, democratic record, and international engagements.
In its response, Ghana’s Embassy in the US stated that the concerns raised relate to an ongoing legislative process and reflect a broader national debate, rather than 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, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The bill is currently before Parliament again.
