The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ghana has expressed solidarity with President John Dramani Mahama following the withdrawal of an honorary doctorate by Lincoln University in the United States.
A press statement, signed by Bishop of Sunyani and President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, on Friday said the Conference noted with concern the circumstances surrounding Lincoln University’s decision to withdraw the honorary degree, particularly given the deep historical relationship between Ghana and the institution.
The Conference pointed directly to the legacy of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president, who was educated at Lincoln University, as the foundation of that bond.
“While we respect the autonomy of institutions, we emphasize the need for transparency, fairness, and due regard for the dignity of individuals and nations,” the statement read.
The Bishops also commended President Mahama for his role in securing the passage of the United Nations General Assembly resolution on the transatlantic slave trade and its enduring legacy, describing his efforts as reflecting a deep commitment to justice, historical redress and global solidarity for African peoples and the diaspora.
In the same statement, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference turned its attention to the anti-gay bill before Parliament, throwing its weight behind calls for the legislature to ensure the Bill reached the President without further delay.
The Conference went further, assuring President Mahama of their prayers that he would be “granted wisdom, courage, and clarity of purpose” in the discharge of his constitutional duties and that he would “act with conviction in giving timely assent to the Bill.”
The statement also warmly commended the Assemblies of God Church, Ghana, for their principled and forthright expression of support for President Mahama in the matter of the Lincoln University doctorate withdrawal.
President Mahama told the World Affairs Council in Philadelphia on Friday that the bill was a private member’s bill owned by Parliament, and that the Constitution gave him several options when and if it reached his desk, including sending it back to Parliament or referring it to the Council of State for advice.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
