PhD vs. Dutch Passport: A False Choice for Ghana’s Future

Story by; Priscilla Amoah

Five years of toil and hard work compared to five minutes of questioning and advantage by birth in a particular country. A PhD in Ghana or any other country is certainly worth more than a mere “stack of papers with a name” (Dutch Passport).

A recent social media debate has pitted a Ghanaian PhD against a Dutch passport, framing them as opposing paths to success. This was after Kofi Gabs also known as “Mr Happiness” took to his Tiktok page that “a Dutch passport is better than a PhD in Ghana”. This statement is a simple oversimplification and false generalization of the said argument.

A critical examination of the debate suggests that while the allure of a Dutch passport, with its visa-free travel and perceived access to greener pastures, is undeniable, it’s crucial to recognize the importance and impact a Ghanaian PhD can have on the nation’s development and the globe at large. Likewise, the acquisition of a PhD which is considered the highest academic degree has the potential to solve societal issues. For an individual to be confirmed as a professor or to have a PhD, they undergo intensive training where they produce papers which can solve at least a problem in their home country or the world.

This argument mentality undermines the value of not just a PhD but any other form of higher education. As we proceed with the argument, let us not forget, that the country whose paper (passport) is under scrutiny prioritizes education because they know that it fuels innovation and progress of the country. For instance, China’s failing economy was revived because of education and research. Thus, Chinese who travelled outside the country for further studies came back with their knowledge to help bring the once-failing economy back to life.

Also, the ongoing debate can be said to be disrespectful to anyone with higher education in Ghana. Even though the debate talks about PhD holders, it is disrespectful to lawyers, engineers, doctors, and anyone else with higher education. Thus, it undermines the certification, hard work, and dedication one has put into acquiring higher education in any other profession.

 Views Of Some Prominent Figures Within the Society

The debate was not just a social media conundrum but that of a national issue or concern. The topic got people like the former president of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, and prominent journalists like Manasseh Azure and Ameyaw Debrah.

According to a report made by Ghana Web on the 20^th of June, 2024, the former president his Excellency John Dramani Mahama said “It is a reflection of the diversity into which our nation has been plunged; otherwise, there is no basis for comparison between a visa and a PhD. If you had a PhD and you had an opportunity to travel, you would be a more high-value citizen in that country that you have gone to” at the Christian Service University in Kumasi.

Manasseh Azure also expressed his opinion through a write-up on his blog site where he stated that, assessing the argument or the opinion of “Kofi Gabs” devoid of emotions it seems the issue is the case. To him, due to bad governance and corruption which has engulfed the country, the salary of workers is not enough. He then made a comparison between the salary of a PhD holder in Ghana (GHS 12000) to a cleaner or a menial job which pays $ 15 an hour and the total salaries of both workers in a year, making the argument sound.

Ameyaw Debrah also expressed his opinion on his YouTube channel saying even though he does not have a PhD he has a Master’s degree and has been able to travel to many countries using the same Ghanaian passport which has been looked down upon. He advises that individuals should take opportunities when they come and don’t need a particular document to travel or live the life they want.

To conclude, even though having an international passport is a plus, it does not mean an academic certificate being a PhD or even a degree certificate is not important. The ascribed status of having an academic certification and the knowledge acquired is much better than a “Stack of papers with a name”.

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