Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama, has weighed in on the ongoing debate in Ghana between obtaining a Dutch passport versus pursuing a PhD.

The former president expressed that the youth are feeling despair and desperation as a result of the harsh economic conditions brought about by the mismanagement of Ghana's economy by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Mahama believes that the debate highlights the loss of confidence and hope among Ghanaians, especially the youth, in the future of the country due to current economic hardships and corruption.

“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.”

Mahama made these remarks during a public lecture organized by the Christian Service University in Kumasi on the theme "Sustainability of Democracy in Africa: The Ghanaian Experience."

Regarding the upcoming 2024 general elections, Mahama emphasized that the presidency should not be entrusted to individuals who have played a prominent role in Ghana's current economic challenges.

He explained, “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.”

Mahama concluded by stating, "Leadership that is honest and willing to accept responsibility for challenges, rather than shifting blame, is the type of leadership that upholds democracy."

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