- Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has received an honorary doctorate from Russia’s Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University in Moscow
- The award was presented on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, during Mahama’s visit to Russia ahead of the Russia-Africa Summit scheduled for October 28 and 29
- Mahama is also expected to receive another honorary doctorate from the Russian University of Transport and hold bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has received an honorary doctorate from the Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) during an official visit to Moscow.
Source: Getty Images
The ceremony took place on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, with photographs and videos shared by Ghanaian news outlet The 1957 News showing Mahama being robed in the university’s academic gown.
The award came as the Ghanaian leader prepared to participate in the third Russia-Africa Summit, which is scheduled for October 28 and 29.
Mahama arrived in Moscow on Monday, October 26, ahead of the summit, which is expected to bring together more than 30 African heads of state and government.
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Mahama’s Agenda During His Russia Visit
Beyond receiving the honorary doctorate, Mahama is expected to hold bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the summit.
According to reports, the Ghanaian president intends to raise the war between Russia and Ukraine and encourage efforts towards a ceasefire.
“I’m going to Russia to convince President Putin to ceasefire,” Mahama said before his trip.
His planned appeal comes as Ghana maintains diplomatic engagement with both African and international partners on major global issues.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed the planned meeting with Putin.
Mahama is also expected to attend the Economic and Humanitarian Forum and visit a kente exhibition organised by the Russia-Ghana Parliamentary Forum. Kente is a traditional Ghanaian woven textile associated with the country’s cultural heritage.
Mahama Expected to Receive Second Honorary Doctorate
According to Graphic Online, the Russian University of Transport is also expected to confer an honorary doctorate on Mahama at a separate ceremony during his visit.
If completed as planned, the second recognition would add to the academic honour he received from RUDN University.
Honorary doctorates are distinctions universities award to recognise individuals’ contributions or achievements. They are separate from academic degrees earned through conventional coursework and research as reported by YEN News.
About Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University
RUDN University was established in Moscow in February 1960 to provide educational opportunities for young people from Asia, Africa and Latin America.
In 1961, the institution was named after Patrice Lumumba, the Congolese independence leader who became a prominent symbol of African liberation and anti-colonial movements.
The university was renamed the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia in 1992 before Patrice Lumumba’s name was restored in March 2023.
The institution has educated students from numerous countries and counts former Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba among its notable African alumni.
Other African leaders have also received honorary academic recognition in Russia. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, for instance, received a similar honour in June 2026.
Mahama’s latest recognition highlights the longstanding educational and diplomatic links between Russia and African countries, as leaders prepare to discuss cooperation at the Russia-Africa Summit.
Source: TUKO.co.ke