The Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) has commended President John Dramani Mahama for his principled stand on Ghana’s cultural and religious values while strongly criticising Lincoln University in Pennsylvania for withdrawing a planned honorary doctorate just before a scheduled ceremony on March 26.
In a statement issued on Sunday, March 29 and signed by General Secretary Rev. Dr. Cyril Fayose, the CCG aligned itself with the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) and the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) in backing the President, particularly over his position on matters relating to LGBTQ+ activities.
The council described the university’s last-minute reversal as “deeply regrettable,” but said it nonetheless served to underscore President Mahama’s unwavering commitment to his identity as a Ghanaian and African leader. The CCG also drew attention to the historical ties between Lincoln University and Ghana, noting that the institution educated Kwame Nkrumah, the country’s founding President, and has long been associated with Pan-African ideals and leadership.
Against that backdrop, the CCG characterised the withdrawal as a diplomatic misstep that fell well short of the standards expected of an institution of Lincoln University’s standing. “Inviting an incumbent Head of State and withdrawing the honour shortly before its conferment, particularly after international travel arrangements were already in place, falls short of the decorum expected of an institution of such standing. The decision conveys a sense of disregard not only for the President but for the dignity of Ghana,” the statement read.
Ghana’s Embassy in the United States had confirmed that the honorary degree had already been accepted, all arrangements for the ceremony completed, and President Mahama was already in the United States when the communication withdrawing the honour was made. Ghana’s diplomatic mission later indicated that the decision followed concerns raised by a group over the President’s perceived position on the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill currently before Parliament.
The CCG was careful to frame Ghana’s position on LGBTQ+ matters as rooted in conviction rather than animosity. “The Council reiterates that its position on LGBTQI+ matters reflects sincerely held religious and cultural beliefs shared broadly across Ghanaian society. These convictions are rooted in faith traditions and are not expressions of hostility,” the statement said.
The Council also expressed confidence that Parliament will pass the Family Values Bill and urged the President to follow through on his commitment to assent to it. It called on Lincoln University to reconsider its decision and work to restore its longstanding relationship with Ghana and the wider African community, assuring President Mahama of its continued prayers and support.
President Mahama, speaking to the Ghanaian community in Philadelphia following the withdrawal, affirmed the strong bond between Ghana and Lincoln University and highlighted the institution’s historic role in shaping the country’s founding President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
