LINCOLN UNIVERSITY WITHDRAWS MAHAMA HONORARY DOCTORATE OVER LGBTQ+ STANCE — GHANA EMBASSY PROTESTS “LAST-MINUTE” MOVE

The planned conferment of an honorary doctorate on former President John Dramani Mahama by Lincoln University has been abruptly thrown into controversy, following a last-minute decision by the American institution to withdraw the honour over concerns linked to Ghana’s LGBTQ debate.

The development, first brought to light by policy analyst Franklin Cudjoe of IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, has provoked a strong diplomatic reaction from Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, which has described the move as “surprising and regrettable.”

In a strongly worded statement issued on March 24, 2026, the Embassy expressed “profound disappointment” over what it termed a sudden reversal by the University, barely days before the scheduled visit and award ceremony.

According to the Embassy, all arrangements for the visit — including the conferment of an honorary doctorate degree, honoris causa — had been concluded after what it described as extensive engagements between both parties. “Only last week, officials of the Embassy, together with representatives of Lincoln University, conducted a full walkthrough and finalized all logistical and programmatic arrangements,” the statement noted.

However, in a dramatic turn, the University reportedly communicated fresh concerns raised by a group over Mr. Mahama’s perceived stance on Ghana’s controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, currently before Parliament.

The Embassy stressed that such concerns did not arise during the University’s earlier vetting processes prior to extending the invitation. It further underscored the awkward timing of the decision, pointing out that Mr. Mahama had already arrived in the United States, specifically in New York, in anticipation of honouring the invitation.

Describing the situation as troubling, the Embassy emphasised that the issues cited by the University relate to an ongoing legislative process in Ghana, rather than the unilateral position of any individual. “President Mahama has consistently demonstrated leadership grounded in democratic principles, respect for human rights, and inclusive dialogue,” the statement asserted, expressing regret that no prior engagement had been initiated to clarify the concerns.

The Embassy also invoked the longstanding historical ties between Ghana and Lincoln University — an institution notably linked to Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah — urging both sides to resolve the matter with “thoughtfulness and balance.”

While Lincoln University is yet to publicly detail its final position, the incident is already sparking debate over the intersection of international diplomacy, academic recognition, and Ghana’s polarising LGBTQ legislative discourse.

The Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue, expressing hope that the longstanding relationship between Ghana and the University would not be undermined by the unfolding controversy.

 

 

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