Mahama accuses Akufo-Addo of forcing universities in Ghana to award him with honorary doctorates

Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has taken a swipe at President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, accusing him of a strong taste for honorary doctorates.

Mahama’s remarks come as the President has been conferred with numerous honorary degrees over the past eight years, not just from universities across Ghana, but also from institutions in Africa and Europe.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Kasoa, Mahama criticised what he termed President Akufo-Addo’s "appetite" for these accolades.

He accused the President of pressuring universities in Ghana to award him the honorary titles.

“President Akufo-Addo has pressured all the universities in Ghana to give him an honorary doctorate. I don’t even understand where he’s going with the ‘Dr.’ title,” Mahama stated.

The former President, who is campaigning for votes ahead of the 2024 general election, also took the opportunity to criticize Akufo-Addo's perceived lack of humility.

His comments were in response to the recent unveiling of a statue in the President’s honour in the Western Region.

“The end of ‘try me and see’ is trials. The hardships we’re facing today show that President Akufo-Addo is indifferent. That’s why, just recently, he unveiled a statue of himself in Takoradi. As a leader, you should be humble enough to allow others to praise you. You don’t erect and unveil your own statue," Mahama said.