A disturbing trend is gradually finding its footing in Ghana, where individuals find no wrong in bestowing upon themselves academic credentials to claim prestigious titles such as “Doctor” and “Professor”.
This phenomenon has raised concerns about the integrity of the education system and the potential consequences for individuals and society as a whole.
The Allure of Titles
In Ghana and other parts of the world, academic titles are highly revered, and individuals who possess them are often accorded respect and admiration.
However, for some, the desire for prestige and recognition has led them to fabricate academic credentials. These individuals often use fake degrees and titles to impress their peers, advance their careers, or gain social status.
The rise of fake academic credentials has become rampant due to the emergence of online degrees and fake universities.
These institutions often offer degrees and certificates without requiring students to complete any meaningful academic work, as required by accredited universities.
With a few clicks, individuals can purchase fake degrees and titles, which can be used to deceive others in public.
Others often claim they attained the qualification from foreign universities, which mostly do not exist.
Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) Crackdown
Amidst this ongoing trend, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has taken steps to address the issue.
Recently, the commission issued a stern warning to all politicians, businessmen and businesswomen, men and women of God, and any other category of persons to desist from using honorary doctorates and professorship titles in public.
This comes after the Commission cited some politicians, business moguls and others for using fake or honorary doctorate titles in the public sphere.
Below are some of the individuals cited for using fake credentials.
- Prof. Williams Abayaawien Atuilik of Heritage Christian University
GTEC, in a letter dated June 17, 2025, and signed by Deputy Director-General Professor Augustine Ocloo, called out Prof. Williams Abayaawien Atuilik of Heritage Christian University for his continued usage of the “Professor” title, as no evidence shows his formal academic validation.
According to the Commission, Mr. Atuilik is only misleading the public with his “Prof.” title.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission wishes to formally express its concern regarding the use of academic titles that have not been duly earned or conferred through a recognised academic process,” the excerpt of the letter from GTEC stated.
GTEC emphasised that the practice “undermines the credibility of the higher education system”.
- Prof. Edward Dua Agyeman, former Board Chairman of the Ghana Audit Service
Likewise, Prof. Duah Agyeman, former Board Chairman of the Ghana Audit Service, was mentioned in the letter issued by GTEC on June 17, 2025, for using fake credentials.
The Commission asserted that currently, there is no formal academic validation of his professorship title and that he is only misleading the public.
The Commission warned him to stop using the title immediately or face legal action.
Meanwhile, Prof. Duah Agyeman, in response, said he earned his “Professorship” title as he had a PhD in Taxation and Public Sector Audit from Warnborough College, Canterbury, United Kingdom (2013).
He added that in the year 2014, he was appointed a professor of Tax and Accounting by Warnborough College, Canterbury, United Kingdom.
- Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor – MP for Awutu Senya East
GTEC, in a letter dated June 16, 2025, directed Naa Koryoo Okunor, MP for Awutu Senya East on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and member of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Board, to cease the use of the “Doctor” title.
The Commission further directed her to submit verifiable evidence that shows the title has been removed from all relevant platforms, official documents, institutional profiles, websites, letterheads and any other public or professional representations.
“The Commission expects your full cooperation in this matter and looks forward to receiving confirmation of compliance at your earliest convenience,” the letter addressed to her indicated.
- Desmond De-Graft Paitoo – MP for Gomoa East
Desmond De-Graft Pailtoo, the MP for Gomoa East on the ticket of the NDC, has also been instructed by GTEC to stop using the “Doctor” title until he provides clarification on the awarding institution of the doctoral title, whether the degree was earned or honorary, when it was conferred and the process through which the title was conferred.
The letter dated June 3, 2025, requested the Gomoa East MP to take full responsibility for this matter and immediately refrain from using the honorary title “Doctor” (Dr) as part of his name in any official or public communication.
In response, Mr. De-Graft Paitoo indicated that he has directed his lawyers to provide a formal response to the Commission.
He expressed concerns over what he perceives as politically motivated actions by GTEC.
“I wonder why GTEC is targeting the NDC members, and who is influencing them to do that. If you want to invite me for questioning, write a letter to me personally. I have handed over the case to my lawyer, so I will speak once he responds,” he said.
- Prof. Kwame Adom-Frimpong
Prof. Kwame Adom-Frimpong of the Internal Audit Agency has also been directed by GTEC to stop using the “Professor” title.
In a letter dated June 16, 2025, the Commission directed Prof. Adom-Frimpong to submit documents on his academic credentials.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission wishes to express its concern regarding the use of the unearned academic titles. The use of such titles, particularly where they lack formal academic validation, is potentially misleading and does not align with the established academic protocols governing the use of academic ranks in Ghana”.
“In the light of the above, the Commission is requesting you submit a copy of the letter from a recognised institution appointing or promoting you to the rank of associate professor or professor. Otherwise, you are requested as a matter of urgency to cease the use of the title “Professor”.
“You are further required to provide verifiable evidence that the title has been withdrawn from all relevant platforms, including but not limited to official documents, institutional profiles, websites, letterheads, and any other public or professional representations,” the letter added.
- Sofo Rashid Tanko-Computer
The acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communication (GIFEC), Sofo Rashid Tanko-Computer, has also been directed by GTEC to stop using his “Doctor” title.
GTEC, in a letter dated June 3, 2025, indicated that the said PhD Tanko-Computer claims to have earned in 2016 from Kingsnow University was “unearned”.
GTEC has therefore requested that he cease using the title “Doctor” and remove it from all official documents and platforms.
Additionally, GTEC has asked Tanko-Computer to submit verifiable evidence that the title has been removed from all relevant platforms, including but not limited to official documents, institutional profiles, websites, letterheads, and any other public or professional representations.
- Dr. Joseph Obeng – Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA) President
GTEC, in a letter dated Wednesday, May 14, A2025, raised concerns over Dr. Joseph Obeng’s continued use of the title “Doctor” in public despite the Commission’s stance on banning the public from misusing the title.
According to the Commission, the use of honorary doctorates as formal titles is unethical and contravenes the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), along with other relevant education regulations.
The Commission pledged to sanction him if he fails to desist from using the “Dr.” title in public and on other platforms.
- Emmanuel Opoku Ware – Former Director of Internal Audit at UESD
Mr. Emmanuel Opoku Ware, currently dismissed from the University of Environment and Sustainable Development, situated at Somanya in the Eastern Region, was cited for using fake academic credentials.
Prior to his appointment as the Director of Internal Audit, Mr. Ware alleged he held a PhD in Corporate Finance from the University of Illinois in the USA, which the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) said was “not genuine”, a report by The Fourth Estate reported.
- Isaac Abbam
Mr. Isaac Abbam, also with the University of Environment and Sustainable Development, applied for the position of Director of Physical Development.
He claimed to possess a PhD in Project Management from the University of Azteca in Mexico, awarded in 2020, and another PhD in Project Management, which he received from Universidad Empresarial De Costa Rica (UNEM) in 2016.
However, an investigative piece by The Fourth Estate also shows that all the academic credentials are false, and the school has admitted to that.
According to the school, Mr. Abbam has been directed to cease using the “Doctor” title until he provides validation of his credentials.
The Consequences
The use of fake credentials can have serious consequences. In the academic sector, it can lead to the devaluation of legitimate degrees and undermine the credibility of institutions.
In the professional sphere, it can result in unqualified individuals holding positions of authority, which can compromise the quality of services and put people’s lives at risk.
Meanwhile, GTEC has reiterated its commitment to upholding academic integrity, warning of legal consequences for non-compliance with the directive issued to victims and those who have not yet been identified to be named and shamed publicly.