The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Mahama, has joined the ongoing debate over whether obtaining a Dutch passport is better than a PhD in Ghana.

The former President attributed the widespread despair among citizens to the economic hardships caused by the current government. 

He insisted that such a debate should not even exist, arguing that there is no basis for such a comparison.

Speaking during a public lecture organised by the Christian Service University in Kumasi on the theme “Sustainability of Democracy in Africa: The Ghanaian Experience”, Mr Mahama highlighted that the debate reflects a significant loss of confidence and hope in Ghana’s future.

Dutch passport Vs PhD: This debate is taking place because of the crisis this government has plunged our country into. - @JDMahama #ElectionHQ pic.twitter.com/zOS2yZKXAF

— Joy 99.7 FM (@Joy997FM) June 19, 2024

He pointed to the current economic difficulties, alongside corruption and the wastage of national resources by the ruling government, as the primary reasons for this disillusionment.

Mr Mahama stressed that the current government's mismanagement has led to severe economic challenges, which in turn have caused citizens to question the value of their educational and professional pursuits. 

He urged for a focus on restoring hope and confidence in the country's future through better governance and efficient use of resources.

“There’s widespread despair and anguish amongst our people leading to an active debate on social media about whether securing a foreign passport to do a menial job in Europe is better than holding a PhD in Ghana. It’s the adversity into which our nation has been plunged, otherwise, there’s no basis for comparison between a Visa and a PHD.”

He argued that the Presidency should not be entrusted to individuals responsible for the current economic hardships in the country, asserting that the only way to sustain democracy in Ghana and Africa is through leadership that prioritises truth and honesty to the citizens.

“Those whose glaring failures at economic management have sucked us into this vortex of despair despite their lofty talk in opposition and who now seek to flee the responsibility cannot be rewarded with the presidency in this deep crisis.

"The presidency cannot be handed over to those who present as the future when they have the epicentre of our disastrous presence.”

“Leadership that is honest and accepts responsibility for challenges rather than passing the back is the kind of leadership that sustains democracy.”