Catholic Bishops rally behind President Mahama after US university withdraws honorary degree

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has expressed solidarity with President John Dramani Mahama following the decision by a United States university to withdraw an honorary doctorate previously scheduled to be conferred on the Ghanaian leader.

In a statement issued on March 27, 2026, the Archbishops and Bishops of the Conference said they viewed the circumstances surrounding the decision by Lincoln University in Pennsylvania with concern, particularly given the historical ties between Ghana and the institution.

"We, the Archbishops and Bishops of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), express our fraternal solidarity with His Excellency John Dramani Mahama following the recent withdrawal of an honorary doctorate by Lincoln University in the United States," the statement read.

The development came after the Embassy of Ghana in the United States announced that it had received communication from the university indicating that concerns had been raised by a group regarding President Mahama’s perceived position on Ghana’s Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. The embassy described the withdrawal as "both surprising and regrettable."

Bishops cite Nkrumah legacy

The Catholic bishops noted the longstanding relationship between Ghana and Lincoln University, which counts Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, among its distinguished alumni.

"The Conference notes with concern the circumstances surrounding this decision, particularly considering the longstanding historical relationship between Ghana and the institution, exemplified by the legacy of our First President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah. While we respect the autonomy of institutions, we emphasise the need for transparency, fairness, and due regard for the dignity of individuals and nations," the bishops stated.

They also commended President Mahama for his leadership on the international stage, particularly his role in securing support for a recent United Nations resolution addressing the legacy of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade.

"This effort reflects a deep commitment to justice, historical redress, and global solidarity for African peoples and the diaspora," the bishops said.

Call for passage of Human Sexual Rights Bill

The Catholic bishops renewed their call for the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, urging Parliament to transmit the legislation to the President for assent without delay.

"As national discourse continues regarding the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference encourages Parliament of Ghana to do its utmost to ensure the timely transmission of the Bill to the President for assent. We call on all relevant authorities to act with diligence and a strong sense of national responsibility in advancing this important legislative process," the statement read.

The bishops also commended the Assemblies of God Church, Ghana, for its expression of support for the President in the matter, acknowledging the leadership of its General Secretary, Rev. Ernest Birikorang.

"We particularly acknowledge the leadership of its General Secretary, Rev. Ernest Birikorang, whose response reflects moral clarity, pastoral responsibility, and a commitment to upholding Christian values and national dignity," they said.

Assurances of prayer

The Conference assured President Mahama of their prayers, calling for wisdom, courage, and clarity of purpose in the discharge of his constitutional duties.

"We echo the call by the Assemblies of God Church, Ghana, for prayer and national reflection. In moments such as these, unity among Christian communities and the broader society remains essential," the bishops stated.

The statement was signed by Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi of Sunyani, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

The development has drawn international attention, with Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury, the former Anglican primate, having previously described the Ghanaian legislation as "anti-LGBTQ+" and criticised the local Anglican hierarchy for supporting it.