On October 27, 2026, former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama was conferred with an honorary doctorate by the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN) in Moscow. The ceremony took place on the university's campus and was attended by several high-profile individuals, including RUDN University's Rector, Professor Oleg A. Yastrebov, Ghana's Minister of Defence, Kenneth Agyei, and members of President Mahama's delegation.
During his acceptance speech, President Mahama expressed nostalgia, having studied at the university as a postgraduate student nearly 40 years ago. He acknowledged that receiving such an honor is seldom a solo achievement, attributing it to the support of the university, the people of Ghana, and his decades of public service. The honorary doctorate is a testament to his contributions to public service and his commitment to African development.
The university, bearing the name of Patrice Lumumba, a Congolese independence leader, holds special significance for President Mahama. He noted the historical connection between Lumumba and Ghana's first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who advocated for true African freedom and independence. President Mahama emphasized the responsibility of current African leaders to fulfill the aspirations of their predecessors by improving education, institutions, and opportunities for young people.
President Mahama also called for concerted efforts to address historical injustices faced by people of African descent due to colonial domination and the transatlantic slave trade. He advocated for informed dialogue and international cooperation to achieve justice. Furthermore, he welcomed discussions with Rector Yastrebov on establishing a Russian-African studies program and appreciated the Russian Government's scholarships for Ghanaian students.
The President highlighted Ghana's progressive education policies, including Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education, the school feeding program, Free Senior High School, and support for students with disabilities. He stressed the need to balance expanding access with improving quality and encouraged closer relationships between universities, industry, and government to translate research into practical applications.
Rector Yastrebov announced the establishment of a Patrice Lumumba scholarship, which will support seven students annually. He described RUDN University as a leading expert center on African issues, where cultures meet, and ideas are shared. The Rector expressed confidence in strengthening ties with Ghana in education, science, peace, and mutual understanding.
President Mahama advised the students, saying that their time at the university would shape their futures and that protecting their integrity was crucial. He also expressed gratitude to the Russian Government for its continued support for educational cooperation between Ghana and Russia. The honorary doctorate is a recognition of President Mahama's dedication to public service and his efforts to promote African development.
Key points
- Former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama receives an honorary doctorate from Peoples' Friendship University of Russia.
- President Mahama advocates for efforts to address historical injustices faced by people of African descent.
- RUDN University establishes a Patrice Lumumba scholarship to support seven students annually.
