Mahama Earns Honorary Degree from Lincoln University

McDan Group’s response to GACL’s “buyer beware” notice on disputed Spintex land

May 18, 2026

Lincoln University is set to confer an honorary doctorate on Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, on March 26, 2026, in recognition of his leadership, public service, and advocacy for reparatory justice.
The honour comes shortly after Yonsei University awarded Mahama an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration, citing his contributions to national development and global academic engagement.
The ceremony in Pennsylvania will spotlight Mahama’s role as the African Union Champion for advancing justice and reparations, as well as his work in promoting democratic governance and international cooperation.
President of Lincoln University, Brenda A. Allen, described the recognition as a tribute to Mahama’s distinguished leadership. She also pointed to the institution’s longstanding ties with Ghana, notably through its most famous alumnus, Kwame Nkrumah.
Ahead of the event, Mahama is expected to address the United Nations General Assembly, where he will push for global recognition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade as a crime against humanity—part of a broader reparations campaign.
Academic Gnaka Lagoke described the honour as symbolic, linking Mahama’s advocacy to Nkrumah’s Pan-African vision at a time when calls for reparations are gaining momentum.
The recognition also reflects Mahama’s domestic record, including infrastructure development across key sectors and policies promoting gender equity. During his presidency, Ghana achieved gender parity in basic education, and his selection of Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as running mate marked a milestone for women’s political representation.
Mahama’s return to power in 2024 made him the first Ghanaian leader to win a non-consecutive second term.
Lincoln University said the award aligns with its mission of advancing education, leadership and social justice. The visit will also coincide with activities marking its Black Freedom Conference, including a screening of The Eyes of Ghana, a documentary on the country’s independence struggle.
The university believes Mahama’s visit will inspire students to see themselves as part of a global movement for change.