Lincoln University Rescinds Planned Honorary Doctorate for Mahama Over LGBTQ Stance

Lincoln University has rescinded its earlier decision to confer an honorary doctorate on Ghana’s President, H.E John Dramani Mahama, citing his position on LGBTQ.

This was confirmed in a statement issued by  Ghana’s Embassy in the United States of America (USA) on March 24, 2026.

Expressing its disappointment at the decision, it called the development a last-minute communication.

“Just hours ago, the Embassy received a communication from the University indicating that concerns had been raised by a group regarding President Mahama’s perceived position on Ghana’s Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, currently before Parliament. The University has indicated that these concerns did not surface during its earlier due diligence and vetting processes prior to extending the invitation to President Mahama.”

Acknowledging Lincoln University’s right to engage its internal stakeholders and uphold its institutional values, the Embassy asserted that the issues now being raised relate to ongoing legislative processes within Ghana, which are subject to democratic deliberation and are not the unilateral position of any one individual.

“President Mahama has consistently demonstrated leadership grounded in democratic principles, respect for human rights, and inclusive dialogue on complex societal issues. It is therefore unfortunate that these concerns have emerged at such an advanced stage, without prior engagement or clarification.”

President Mahama was due for a visit to the institution on Thursday, March 26, 2026, with plans for the conferment of an honorary doctorate degree, honoris causa, had been agreed upon following extensive prior engagement between the University and the Embassy.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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