A planned honour for John Dramani Mahama at Lincoln University has been abruptly withdrawn, sparking disappointment from Ghana Embassy in the United States.
The university reportedly cancelled the conferment of an honorary doctorate just hours before the scheduled ceremony on March 26, citing concerns raised by some members of its community over Mahama’s perceived stance on Ghana’s Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.
In a statement, the Embassy described the last-minute decision as “surprising and regrettable,” noting that the issue was not flagged during earlier vetting processes. Officials from both Ghana and the university had already completed preparations, including logistical planning and site visits, ahead of the President’s trip.
The Embassy stressed that the concerns relate to a legislative process still under debate in Ghana, and do not represent the unilateral position of any single individual. It also underscored Mahama’s track record of promoting democratic values, human rights, and inclusive dialogue.
While acknowledging the university’s right to respond to internal concerns, the Embassy expressed hope that the longstanding historical ties between Ghana and Lincoln University—famously attended by Kwame Nkrumah—would help guide efforts to resolve the matter.
The development has raised broader questions about the intersection of international diplomacy, academic recognition, and domestic policy debates.
