President John Mahama
The Lincoln University in the United States of America has pulled the plugs on the award of an honorary doctorate degree, honoris causa, to President John Dramani Mahama for his global leadership and service to reparative justice, citing LGBTQ concerns.
The decision to withdraw the conferment of the degree, which was communicated before the scheduled visit of President Mahama to the University for the ceremony on Thursday, March 26, reportedly stems from concerns raised by a group at the University regarding his perceived position on Ghana’s Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-gay Bill currently before Parliament.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, the university is cancelling the visit from John Dramani Mahama, President of The Republic of Ghana, originally scheduled for Thursday, March 26th,” the University said in its updated newsletter page on its website.
Earlier, the University in a post on its website, dated March 19, stated that the honorary doctorate is in recognition of President Mahama’s outstanding contributions to public service, democratic governance, peaceful international and inter-African relationships, and global advocacy for justice, equality, and education.
“The honorary conferral event will highlight the shared mission of Lincoln University and President Mahama – to broaden access to education, champion social justice, and inspire servant leadership across national borders. Lincoln University is deeply honored to welcome President John Dramani Mahama to our campus and to bestow upon him an honorary degree in recognition of his distinguished leadership,” the University stated prior to the cancellation of the event.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s Embassy in the United States which confirmed the development expressed disappointment following Lincoln University’s withdrawal decision.
According to the Embassy, the LGBTQ concerns were not raised during Lincoln University’s earlier due diligence and vetting processes, despite extensive prior engagement between the University and the Ghanaian mission.
It indicated that officials from both sides had conducted a full walkthrough just last week and finalised all logistical and programme arrangements for the visit.
“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’s visit was accepted in good faith following an official invitation from an institution with deep historical ties to Ghana, including its association with the country’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
While acknowledging Lincoln University’s right to engage internal stakeholders and uphold its values, the Embassy expressed concern that the issues raised relate to ongoing legislative processes in Ghana, which are subject to democratic debate and do not reflect the unilateral position of any individual.
A Daily Guide Report