Lincoln University to Award Mahama Honorary Doctorate for Reparations Campaign

Lincoln University will confer an Honorary Doctorate on Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, on March 26, 2026, in recognition of his leadership, public service, and sustained advocacy for reparatory justice.

The ceremony, scheduled to take place at the university’s Pennsylvania campus, will spotlight Mahama’s role as the African Union Champion for advancing justice and pushing for reparations, alongside his contributions to democratic governance and global cooperation.

This honour comes just days after Yonsei University in South Korea awarded him an Honorary PhD in Public Administration for his impact on national transformation, economic progress, and engagement with the international academic community.

President of Lincoln University, Brenda A. Allen, said the institution is privileged to host Mahama and recognise his distinguished leadership. She added that the visit reflects the long-standing historical ties between the university and Ghana, highlighting its renowned alumnus, Kwame Nkrumah, whose legacy continues to influence Africa’s development.

Ahead of the event, Mahama is expected to address the United Nations General Assembly, where he will table a resolution seeking global recognition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade as a crime against humanity—part of a broader push for reparatory justice.

Academic Gnaka Lagoke described the recognition as symbolic, noting that it aligns Mahama’s advocacy with Nkrumah’s Pan-African vision at a critical moment in the global reparations movement.

The honour also reflects Mahama’s domestic achievements, including infrastructure expansion across education, health, transport, and ICT, as well as policies promoting gender equality. His administration achieved gender parity in basic education and made history with the selection of Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as a female running mate.

Mahama’s re-election in 2024 marked a historic milestone, making him the first Ghanaian leader to return to office for a non-consecutive second term.

Lincoln University noted that the award aligns with its mission of promoting education, leadership, and social justice globally. The visit will coincide with activities for its Black Freedom Conference, including a screening of The Eyes of Ghana, a documentary on Ghana’s independence struggle.

The university, the first degree-granting historically Black college in the United States, said Mahama’s visit is expected to inspire students to embrace global citizenship and leadership.