President John Mahama has expressed continued admiration for Lincoln University, despite the institution’s decision to withdraw plans to confer an honorary doctorate on him.
The university reportedly rescinded the honour just days before the scheduled ceremony, following concerns raised within its community over the President’s perceived stance on LGBTQ-related issues.
The development follows closely after Yonsei University awarded Mahama an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Administration, recognising his contributions to national transformation, economic development, and engagement with the global academic community.
Lincoln University’s ceremony, planned for its Pennsylvania campus, was expected to highlight Mahama’s role as the African Union Champion for Advancing the Cause of Justice and the Payment of Reparations.
However, in a sudden reversal, Ghana’s Embassy in the United States has expressed profound disappointment at the withdrawal of the honorary doctorate, honoris causa.
According to the Embassy, the concerns cited by the university are linked to Ghana’s ongoing legislative process surrounding the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, currently before Parliament.
The Embassy emphasised that this process reflects Ghana’s democratic governance and should not be construed as the position of any single individual.
Speaking to members of the Ghanaian community in Philadelphia on Thursday, March 26, President Mahama said the development would not diminish the institution’s importance in Ghana’s history.
“Whatever disagreements have arisen, Lincoln University holds a special place in my heart,” he said.
He emphasised the university’s historic role, particularly in shaping Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah.
“It is where our first president was nurtured intellectually and grounded in his Pan-Africanist struggle. It remains hallowed ground for Ghanaians,” he stated.
President Mahama added that the long-standing bond between Ghana and the institution would remain intact despite recent developments.
“We cannot separate Lincoln University from Ghana’s story, and we will continue to hold it in the highest regard,” he added.
