President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his respect for Lincoln University, even after the institution withdrew plans to award him an honorary doctorate.

The decision to rescind the honour came just days before the scheduled ceremony, reportedly over concerns within the university community regarding the President’s perceived position on LGBTQ-related matters.

The development follows closely after Yonsei University awarded Mahama an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Administration, recognising his contributions to national transformation, economic development, and engagement with the global academic community.

Lincoln University’s ceremony, planned for its Pennsylvania campus, was expected to highlight Mahama’s role as the African Union Champion for Advancing the Cause of Justice and the Payment of Reparations.

However, in a sudden reversal, Ghana’s Embassy in the United States has expressed profound disappointment at the withdrawal of the honorary doctorate, honoris causa.

According to the Embassy, the concerns cited by the university are linked to Ghana’s ongoing legislative process surrounding the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, currently before Parliament.

The Embassy emphasised that this process reflects Ghana’s democratic governance and should not be construed as the position of any single individual.

Addressing Ghanaian residents in Philadelphia on Thursday, March 26, President Mahama noted that the development does not diminish the university’s legacy in Ghana’s national story.

“Whatever disagreements have arisen, Lincoln University holds a special place in my heart,” he said.

He further highlighted the university’s historical significance, pointing to its influence on Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah.

“It is where our first President was nurtured intellectually and grounded in his Pan-Africanist struggle. It remains hallowed ground for Ghanaians,” he stated.

Reiterating the enduring ties between Ghana and the institution, he stressed that the relationship remains strong despite the controversy.

“We cannot separate Lincoln University from Ghana’s story, and we will continue to hold it in the highest regard,” he added.