By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Ghana’s embassy in the United States has criticised Lincoln University over its last-minute decision to cancel a planned honorary doctorate conferment on President John Dramani Mahama.
The embassy in a statement said it was “surprised and disappointed” that the university withdrew the honour just hours before a scheduled visit on 26 March, while President Mahama was already in the US.
The sudden u-turn according to reports follows objections from a group within the university over Mahama’s perceived stance on Ghana’s proposed Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, often referred to as the anti-gay bill.
Ghanaian officials said the issue had not been raised during earlier engagements between the two sides.
Preparations for the visit had been completed, including a final review of arrangements only days before the planned ceremony, the embassy says.
It stressed that the invitation had been accepted in good faith, citing Lincoln University’s long-standing historical links with Ghana, including its association with the country’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah.
While recognising the university’s right to respond to internal concerns, the embassy argued that the controversy concerns an ongoing legislative process in Ghana and not just a position of one individual.
It also defended Mahama’s record, describing his leadership as rooted in democratic values and dialogue on sensitive social issues.
The embassy while expressing committed to maintaining constructive relations said the longstanding ties between Ghana and Lincoln University would help resolve the issue.
