By Franklin Asare-Donkoh
Ghana’s Embassy in the United States has said that Lincoln University has withdrawn its decision to confer an honorary doctorate, honoris causa, on President, John Dramani Mahama.
The embassy expressed deep disappointment over the decision, which it said was communicated hours before President Mahama’s scheduled visit on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
According to embassy officials, the university’s action reportedly followed concerns raised by a group within the institution regarding the president’s perceived stance on Ghana’s Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-gay bill currently before Parliament.
The embassy noted that these concerns were not raised during Lincoln University’s earlier due diligence and vetting processes, despite what it described as extensive engagement with the Ghanaian mission.
Officials from both sides had conducted a full walkthrough of the visit and finalised all logistical and programme arrangements just last week.
“It is both surprising and regrettable that such concerns have surfaced at this late stage, particularly with the president already in the United States in anticipation of the visit,” the embassy said in a statement.
The embassy emphasised that President Mahama had accepted the invitation in good faith, following an official invitation from an institution with longstanding historical ties to Ghana, including its association with the country’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah.
While acknowledging Lincoln University’s right to consult internal stakeholders and uphold its values, the embassy expressed concern that the issues raised relate to an ongoing legislative process in Ghana, which is subject to democratic debate and does not reflect the unilateral position of any individual.
President Mahama, the embassy added, has consistently been recognised for leadership grounded in democratic principles, respect for human rights and inclusive dialogue on complex societal issues.
Reaffirming its commitment to constructive engagement and mutual respect, the embassy expressed hope that the historic relationship between Ghana and Lincoln University would guide a fair and balanced resolution.
