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Lincoln University has rescinded its plans to confer an honorary doctorate on President John Dramani Mahama and cancelled his scheduled visit, citing concerns over his perceived stance on Ghana’s controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. The university’s decision, made just two days before the event, has drawn sharp criticism from the Embassy of Ghana in the United States, which described the move as “surprising and regrettable.”
In a statement released on March 24, the embassy expressed disappointment, revealing that the visit had been planned after extensive discussions between the university and Ghanaian officials. According to the embassy, all logistical arrangements and program details had been finalized following a joint walkthrough just a week prior to the scheduled 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,” the statement read. The embassy noted that the issues raised by the university had not been mentioned during earlier vetting processes before the invitation was extended.
At the time of the cancellation, President Mahama was already in New York City, where he is set to address the United Nations General Assembly on March 25. He is expected to present a significant resolution on behalf of the African Union, calling for global recognition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade as a crime against humanity.
The embassy emphasized that President Mahama had traveled to the U.S. in anticipation of the award and visit when the cancellation notice was issued. Lincoln University, which has historic ties with Ghana, especially through its connection to Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, had planned to honor Mahama with an honorary doctorate during the visit.
While acknowledging Lincoln University’s right to engage its internal stakeholders and uphold its institutional values, the embassy expressed concern over the timing of the issues raised, noting that the ongoing legislative processes in Ghana, including the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, are part of democratic deliberations and not the unilateral view of any one individual.
The embassy also defended Mahama’s leadership, stating that he has consistently upheld democratic principles and respect for human rights. “It is unfortunate that these concerns have surfaced at such a late stage, without prior engagement or clarification,” the statement added.
Lincoln University has not provided further explanation, offering only a brief cancellation notice on its website. This has left many questioning the decision-making process and the exact concerns raised by university stakeholders.
Despite the disappointment, the embassy reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining constructive dialogue with Lincoln University and preserving the longstanding relationship between Ghana and the institution. “The Embassy remains committed to constructive dialogue and mutual respect. We trust that the longstanding and historic relationship between Ghana and Lincoln University will guide a thoughtful and balanced resolution of this matter,” it concluded.
Story:Efua Nessa
Source :Loco tv