General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana, Rev. Stephen Yenusom Wengam has said that the church requires pastors who wish to actively participate in partisan politics to resign from their ministerial positions.
According to him, these are provisions in the church’s constitution and code of conduct aimed at preserving unity among its members.
Rev. Wengam said the rule applies to ministers seeking to contest political party primaries or take up other active partisan political roles.
He explained that the policy is intended to prevent political differences from creating divisions within congregations, allowing members with varying political affiliations to worship together in unity.
Speaking on Accra-based Channel One, Rev. Wengam said the requirement reflects the church’s established practice internationally, although some other Christian denominations allow their ministers to engage in partisan politics.
“Assemblies of God, it can’t happen. You must resign as the pastor of the church,” he said.
Rev. Wengam cited the 2024 election period as an example of the policy’s enforcement, revealing that two pastors under his leadership resigned after deciding to contest political party primaries.
He stressed that the rule does not prevent pastors from pursuing their political ambitions but requires them to relinquish their pastoral responsibilities before entering active partisan politics.
“It’s a calling, but we are saying that lay down your tools as a pastor. And then pursue your calling,” he added.
The General Superintendent’s comments come ahead of the 2026 World Assemblies of God Congress, scheduled to be held in Ghana from October 14 to 16.
The international gathering is expected to attract church leaders from across the world and will mark the first time the congress is being hosted on the African continent.
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