US university cancels Mahama honor over LGBTQ bill concerns
Ghana’s embassy within the United States has criticized Lincoln University’s last-minute determination to cancel plans to confer an honorary doctorate on President John Dramani Mahama.
In an announcement, the embassy stated it was “surprised and disappointed” that the university withdrew the honor simply hours earlier than a scheduled go to on March 26, whereas Mr Mahama was already within the US.
The reversal is reported to have adopted objections from a gaggle throughout the university over Mr Mahama’s perceived stance on Ghana’s proposed Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-gay bill.
Ghanaian officers stated the difficulty had not been raised throughout earlier engagements between the 2 sides. Preparations for the go to had been accomplished, together with a ultimate overview of preparations solely days earlier than the deliberate ceremony.
The embassy famous that the invitation had been accepted in good religion, highlighting Lincoln University’s long-standing historic hyperlinks with Ghana, together with its affiliation with the nation’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah.
While recognizing the university’s proper to answer inside concerns, the embassy argued that the controversy concerns an ongoing legislative course of in Ghana fairly than the place of anyone particular person.
It additionally defended Mr Mahama’s document, describing his management as rooted in democratic values and dialogue on delicate social points.
The embassy stated it remained dedicated to sustaining constructive relations and expressed hope that the longstanding ties between Ghana and Lincoln University would assist resolve the state of affairs.
