The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has requested documentary evidence from Presidential Special Envoy for Reparations, Ambassador Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, to justify his use of the academic title “Dr.”
In a formal letter, the Commission said it was seeking clarification on whether the title was obtained through a recognised academic programme or awarded as an honorary doctorate.
GTEC stated that it was concerned about the use of academic titles that had not been properly earned or conferred through recognised academic processes.
“The Commission wishes to formally express its concern regarding the use of academic titles that have not been duly earned or conferred through a recognized academic process,” the letter said.
The Commission argued that the use of unverified academic titles could mislead the public and undermine academic standards and protocols governing the conferment and use of academic ranks in Ghana.
It requested that Ambassador Spio-Garbrah provide the name of the institution that awarded the doctorate, indicate whether it is an earned or honorary degree, state the date it was conferred, and explain the process through which it was obtained.
GTEC further instructed that if he is unable to provide the requested evidence, he should immediately stop using the title “Dr.”
“Furthermore, you must provide verifiable evidence that this title has been withdrawn from all relevant platforms,” the Commission said.
The Commission specified that the title should be removed from official documents, institutional profiles, websites, letterheads and any other public or professional representations if it cannot be substantiated.
The letter forms part of GTEC’s ongoing efforts to regulate the use of academic titles and ensure compliance with recognised academic standards in Ghana.
