Lincoln University to Honour Mahama with Doctorate for Global Leadership

Lincoln University has announced it will confer an honorary doctorate on John Dramani Mahama in recognition of his global leadership and advocacy for reparative justice.

The ceremony is scheduled for March 26, 2026, at the university’s campus in Pennsylvania, USA. According to the institution, the honour celebrates Mahama’s contributions to public service, democratic governance, peaceful international relations, and his efforts in promoting justice, equality, and access to education worldwide.

University President Brenda A. Allen described the recognition as a significant moment for the institution. She noted that Mahama’s visit aligns with the university’s mission of promoting social justice and servant leadership across borders.

She also highlighted the historical connection between the university and Kwame Nkrumah, whose legacy continues to shape Africa’s development. According to her, Mahama’s presence reinforces the strong ties between Lincoln University and Ghana while inspiring students to see themselves as global changemakers.

Ahead of the honorary degree ceremony, Mahama is expected to address the United Nations General Assembly, where he will present a resolution seeking global recognition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade as a crime against humanity. The proposal, first introduced at the African Union and the United Nations in 2025, is being viewed as a major step toward advancing reparatory justice.

Chair of the Pan-African Studies Department at Lincoln University, Gnaka Lagoke, described the honorary doctorate as symbolic, noting that it reflects Mahama’s leadership in carrying forward the vision of Kwame Nkrumah and the broader Pan-African movement.

Mahama’s leadership record includes major investments across key sectors such as education, healthcare, aviation, ICT, and infrastructure. He is also widely recognised for championing gender equality, with Ghana achieving gender parity in basic education during his administration.

In a landmark political move, Mahama selected Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as his vice-presidential candidate in both 2020 and 2024, marking the first time a major political party in Ghana fielded a woman in that role. Following his victory in the December 2024 elections, he became the first Ghanaian president elected to a non-consecutive second term.

The university will also host activities to coincide with Mahama’s visit, including a screening of The Eyes of Ghana, a documentary linked to Ghana’s independence era and associated with the legacy of Kwame Nkrumah.

Lincoln University, the first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the United States, continues to play a vital role in shaping global leaders and advancing education for diverse communities.