Stop using ‘Doctor’ title – GTEC warns Tanko-Computer
A source at the office of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communication (GIFEC), where Sofo Rashid Tanko-Computer works as the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), has confirmed that they have received a letter from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) directing Sofo Rashid Tanko-Computer to “cease” using the doctor title.
According to the source, the GTEC letter dated June 3, 2025, indicated that the said PhD Tanko-Computer claims to have earned in 2016 from the 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.
The commission’s letter indicated that it was expecting his full cooperation in the matter and was looking forward to receiving confirmation of compliance at his earliest convenience.
Already, GTEC in a May 30, 2025, notice, issued a warning about the recent increased misuse of titles such as “Doctor” and “Professor” by individuals without recognised qualifications.
The Commission reiterated its earlier caution against the use of especially honorary academic titles, particularly emphasising the need for public compliance.
The directive, GTEC stated, was especially aimed at politicians, business people, and other public figures who often incorporate honorary titles into their official communications and public engagements.
The Commission described the practice as deceitful and unethical, stressing that it undermines the credibility of the higher education system and devalues the significance of earned doctoral degrees and academic promotions.
GTEC further announced that it will begin naming and shaming individuals who flout the directive and will pursue legal action against repeat offenders.
The Commission urged all stakeholders to support efforts to preserve the integrity and standards of Ghana’s tertiary education landscape.
According to GTEC, such misuse contravenes the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023) and damages public confidence in the country’s educational system.
The commission stressed that only accredited institutions are permitted to award honorary degrees, and recipients should not present them as academic qualifications.
GTEC’s letter to Tanko-Computer on use of “Doctor” title
In the Tanko-Computer issue, Tanko-Computer himself has clarified on a number of occasions in social media and mainstream interviews that it was not an honorary PhD and that it was doctorate degree conferred on him by the Kingsnow University.
In two separate media interviews recently, he dismissed calls by critics and said he did not need to prove anything to anybody.
He reiterated the Kingsnow University conferred the Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration degree on him and that it was an online programme he pursued between 2012 and 2016.
When he appeared on Joy Prime’s television morning show today [June 11] he described those questioning his credentials as “foolish” and undeserving of his time.
He was responding to comments made on social media that challenged the legitimacy of his academic qualifications in the television interview. WATCH THE ATTACHED VIDEO BELOW
Tanko Computer, a public administrator and the deputy director of elections of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), dismissed the claims against him. “I don’t respond to such claims because I don’t engage with foolish people,” he said.
He explained that he obtained his doctorate in Public Administration through an online programme at Kingsnow University, which he began in 2012 and completed in 2016.
“My PhD from Kingsnow University is legitimate, and I’m proud of it,” he stated. He urged Ghanaians to judge his qualifications based on their merit, rather than what he described as unfounded accusations.
He said that giving attention to his detractors only fuels unnecessary controversy. “In Ghana, we must call a spade a spade, not a long spoon,” he said, adding that his priorities remain with his work and students, not online critics.
His appointment as acting CEO of GIFEC by President John Dramani Mahama on February 14, 2025, has drawn both support and scrutiny.
GTEC’s request to remove Dr title from official documents and platforms
But from what Graphic Online has gathered from the GIFEC source, the GTEC letter dated June 3, 2025, which was addressed to Tanko-Computer indicated the commission’s observance of Tanko-Computer’s continued use of the academic title “Doctor,” specifically in reference to himself as “Dr Sofo Rashind Tanko-Computer.”
It indicated that for the avoidance of doubt, the Commission was expressing its serious concern regarding the use of the unearned academic titles, whether conferred by institutions within Ghana or abroad.
The letter said such titles – particularly where they lack formal academic validation – can be misleading and is inconsistent with the established academic protocols governing the conferment and use of academic distinctions in Ghana.
In view of the above, “you are by this letter requested to cease the use of the title “Doctor.”
“Additionally, you are required 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,” the letter indicated.
“The Commission expects your full cooperation in this matter and looks forward to receiving confirmation of compliance at your earliest convenience,” it added.
Tanko-Computer first announced his links to Kingsnow University on December 11, 2016 on Facebook where he said he had obtained a PhD from that university.
He wrote:
Comrades, today I have mixed feelings:
“We just lost a crucial elections which has taken a toll on me. Still figuring out what really went wrong.. Emotionally disturbed.
“Kingsnow University has conferred on Tanko Rashid the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration and all the rights and privileges thereunto appertaining. In witness therefore, this degree duly signed has been issued and the Seal of the University affixed. Presented on the first day of September, two thousand and sixteen.
Alhamdulilah, Allah is great.”
I thank my family and Prof Alex for the support that got me this far. It shall be well with us. Shehamforash!
