Lincoln University has cancelled the planned visit of John Mahama just days before he was due to receive an honorary doctorate.
In a notice published ahead of the March 26 event, the university cited “unforeseen circumstances” for the decision. However, Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C. later clarified that the move followed concerns raised by a group over Mahama’s perceived stance on Ghana’s Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.
According to the Embassy, the last-minute cancellation came despite all preparations having been completed, including venue inspections conducted jointly by embassy officials and university representatives.
The Embassy also expressed disappointment, noting that such concerns were not flagged during the university’s earlier vetting and due diligence before extending the invitation. This, it said, raises questions about the institution’s internal review processes.
The honorary degree was intended to recognise Mahama’s contributions to public service, democratic governance, and global advocacy. Scholars at the university had also highlighted the symbolic link to Kwame Nkrumah, an alumnus of the institution.
Meanwhile, President Mahama is in New York City, where he is expected to address the United Nations General Assembly on a resolution by the African Union seeking recognition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade as a crime against humanity.
