Mahama owes Akufo-Addo apology over 'u-turn' on honorary doctorates – Nana Akomea

The Third National Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akomea, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to apologise to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo over his past criticism of honorary doctorates awarded to sitting presidents.

Nana Akomea said President Mahama had contradicted his earlier position by accepting similar honours while serving as President.

Mr Mahama, while in opposition, had criticised Mr Akufo-Addo for accepting honorary awards during his presidency.

He argued at the time that such honours should be conferred after a president had left office to allow for a proper assessment of his record.

However, President Mahama recently received an honorary doctorate from a Russian university during a visit connected to the Russia-Africa Summit.

Reacting to the development in a social media post on Thursday, October 29, Nana Akomea described the President’s acceptance of the award as inconsistent with his earlier criticism of his predecessor.

“I was happy for my good friend President Mahama, but sad at the same time,” he wrote, explaining that he recalled Mr Mahama’s criticism of Mr Akufo-Addo for accepting honorary awards while in office.

The NPP Vice Chairman further argued that President Mahama’s acceptance of the honour raised questions about the consistency of his position on the issue.

He claimed that Mr Mahama had received three or four honorary doctorates since assuming office, including the latest award from Russia.

“For the sake of his Integrity, President Mahama owes President Akufo Addo an unqualifed apology on this matter of honorary awards,” Nana Akomea stated.

Honorary doctorates are conferred by universities to recognise individuals for their contributions to society or their respective fields.