Lincoln University has issued a last-minute communication to cancel an event scheduled for Thursday, March 26 to honour President John Dramani Mahama.
The decision is said to have been taken after a group raised concerns about President Mahama’s perceived position on Ghana’s Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, currently before Parliament.
The uuniversity had been in advance talks with the Ghana Embassy in Washington over the ceremony, especially the conferment of the honorary doctorate degree, honoraris causa, on the Ghana president, having conducted a full walkthrough and finalized all logistical and programmatic arrangements.
This has come as a disappointment to the Ghana Embassy in Washington.
“The Embassy of the Republic of Ghana in the United States wishes to express its profound disappointment regarding a last-minute communication received from Lincoln University concerning the scheduled visit of the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, on Thursday, March 26, 2026,” a statement issued on Tuesday, March 24 said.
“The visit, which includes the conferment of an honorary doctorate degree, honoris causa, had been agreed upon following extensive prior engagement between the University and the Embassy.
“Indeed, only last week, officials of the Embassy, together with representatives of Lincoln University, conducted a full walkthrough and finalized all logistical and programmatic arrangements ahead of the President’s visit.
“It is, therefore, both surprising and regrettable that, 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 Embassy raised deep concerns about the timing of the decision.
“The timing of this development is deeply concerning, particularly as it arises after all arrangements have been concluded and with the President already in the United States—having arrived in New York in anticipation of honoring the University’s invitation.”
The Embassy expressed commitment to future dialogue with the university.
“We trust that the longstanding and historic relationship between Ghana and Lincoln University will guide a thoughtful and balanced resolution of this matter.”