President John Dramani Mahama has addressed the decision by Lincoln University to withdraw an honorary doctorate previously conferred on him, describing the development as a reflection of the need for continued engagement and mutual respect on sensitive global issues.
Speaking at a Presidential Dialogue with Civil Society Organisations at the Jubilee House, President Mahama noted that while the LGBTQ+ debate has generated significant attention both locally and internationally, it remains a complex and highly sensitive issue that must be handled with care.
He stressed that Ghana’s immediate priorities lie elsewhere, particularly in addressing critical socio-economic challenges such as education, healthcare, job creation, and access to basic necessities including food, clothing, and shelter.
“I explained during my recent engagement with the World Affairs Council that it is not the most important issue we face as a nation,” he stated.
President Mahama acknowledged that the private member’s bill on LGBTQ+ matters has sparked intense national debate, but reiterated that his administration’s approach is grounded in three key principles: adherence to the Constitution, respect for human rights and dignity, and the preservation of social cohesion.
“While there are strong and differing views within our society, we believe that these issues must be addressed through democratic processes, our core values, dialogue, and the rule of law,” he said.
Touching on the international response, including the action by Lincoln University, the President said such developments highlight the importance of situating Ghana’s decisions within its constitutional and cultural context while maintaining open lines of communication with global partners.
