Lincoln University cannot be separated from Ghana’s story  – Mahama

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Makay
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President John Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has said Lincoln University cannot be separated from the story of Ghana 

According to John Mahama, Lincoln University still holds a special place in his heart despite its decision to withdraw an honorary doctorate that was to be conferred on him.

President Mahama highlighted that Lincoln University holds a special place in my heart as Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, was nurtured intellectually and shaped by the University.

Speaking during an engagement with the Ghanaian community in Philadelphia on Thursday, March 26, President Mahama stated, “Whatever disagreements have arisen, for me, Lincoln University holds a special place in my heart. It is where our first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, was nurtured intellectually and shaped in his Pan-Africanist struggle. It remains hallowed ground for Ghanaians and an integral part of our history”.

“We cannot separate Lincoln University from the story of Ghana, and we will continue to hold the institution in the highest esteem,” he said.

The Ghana Embassy in the United States has expressed disappointment following Lincoln University’s decision to cancel the conferment of an honorary doctorate degree, honoris causa, for President John Dramani Mahama.

According to the Ghana Embassy in the United States, the university’s decision was communicated just hours before the scheduled visit on Thursday, March 26.

The Lincoln University decision is alleged to be based on  President Mahama’s perceived position on Ghana’s Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-gay Bill currently before Parliament.

The Ghana Embassy in the United States explained that no concerns were raised during the university’s due diligence and vetting processes.

Part of Ghana’s Embassy statement read, “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”.

It will be recalled that Lincoln University had earlier announced on March 19, 2026, that it would be conferring the honour on the President for his global leadership.

Portions of Lincoln University’s earlier statement read, “Lincoln University is proud to announce that His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana and the African Union’s Champion for Advancing the Cause of Justice and the Payment of Reparations, will receive an honorary doctorate from the university on March 26, 2026.

“This is coming in recognition of his outstanding contributions to public service, democratic governance, peaceful international and inter-African relationships, and global advocacy for justice, equality, and education.”

“Lincoln University is deeply honoured to welcome President John Dramani Mahama to our campus and to bestow upon him an honorary degree in recognition of his distinguished leadership,” Dr Allen said in the statement.

However, in another update, Lincoln University’s official website stated that it has cancelled the President’s visit, citing what it described as “unforeseen circumstances” for the decision.

The update read, “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”.

Meanwhile, the Assemblies of God Church, Ghana, has said that the decision by Lincoln University in the United States to cancel an honorary doctorate that had been scheduled for President John Dramani Mahama.

In a statement signed by the General Secretary, Rev Ernest Birikorang, Assemblies of God Church, Ghana, stated that Lincoln University’s decision does not dishonour, but rather honours President John Mahama.

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