‘It's terrible’ — Lord Boateng condemns comparison between Dutch passport and Ghanaian PhD

A recent debate that went viral online comparing the value of a Dutch passport to a Ghanaian PhD has drawn criticism from some quarters.

The discussion was sparked by comments made by Kofi Gabs, a Ghanaian living in the Netherlands who works as a toilet cleaner.

Mr. Gabs recently acquired Dutch citizenship and claimed his new passport was worth more than a PhD earned in Ghana.

His remarks touched a nerve for many Ghanaians, who see higher education as integral to the country's development.

Weighing in on the debate, Lord Boateng, a Member of the House of Lords in the UK, condemned the viral comparison.

"It is something terrible when a statement on the internet that a Dutch Passport is worth more than a Ghanaian PhD goes viral. We cannot allow it to be so and leadership must be at the heart of our response," Lord Boateng said.

He made the comments while delivering the keynote address at the University of Professional Studies, Accra's annual leadership lecture.

Lord Boateng emphasized the link between education and national progress, pointing to Ghana's founding fathers who recognized higher education's role in development.

“The founders of this nation recognize the link between higher education and development,” he said.