Eduwatch Supports GTEC in Uncovering Fake PhD Holders

Education policy think tank Eduwatch has called on the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to take stronger action against the growing misuse of fake academic titles in the country by publishing a full list of offenders. The call comes in response to a string of recent incidents involving public figures who have been accused of using unearned academic honors such as “Doctor” and “Professor.”

In a post on Facebook, Kofi Asare, Executive Director of Eduwatch, commended GTEC for its recent interventions but urged the Commission to go further by making public the names of individuals using unrecognized or honorary academic titles across various sectors, including business, politics, religion, and academia.

“GTEC is doing a good job,” Asare wrote. “But beyond sending private letters to individuals, publish a comprehensive list of those using unapproved academic titles — from businessmen and clergy to politicians, chiefs, and academics — and share it with all media outlets.”

Eduwatch’s call aligns with similar concerns raised by the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), which has issued a stern warning against the increasing abuse of honorary doctorates and fraudulent degrees. UTAG expressed alarm at how such titles are being used for professional gain and public deception, often without any legitimate academic work or recognition from accredited institutions.

In a communique released after its Third Quarter National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held at the Akenten Appiah-Minka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), UTAG emphasized that these practices are damaging the credibility of Ghana’s higher education system.

“The rampant misuse of honorary titles trivializes the rigorous academic process required to earn legitimate degrees,” UTAG stated. “It undermines public trust in academic institutions and the education system as a whole.”

The association commended GTEC for its efforts to regulate the sector and enforce standards, urging the Commission to take bolder steps — including pursuing legal action where necessary — against those who flout academic protocols.

These developments follow a series of high-profile warnings issued by GTEC to public officials who have been accused of misrepresenting their academic credentials. On June 16, GTEC publicly cautioned two Members of Parliament, Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor (Awutu Senya East) and Desmond De-Graft Paitoo (Gomoa East), along with Prof. Kwame Adom-Frimpong, Chairman of the Internal Audit Agency, for their use of academic titles that may not have been legitimately conferred.

GTEC noted that Naa Koryoo continued to use the title “Doctor” without proof of holding an earned doctorate from an accredited institution. The Commission described her actions as misleading and a breach of academic ethics and ordered her to stop using the title immediately. She was also instructed to remove the title from all platforms — including websites, official documents, letterheads, and social media accounts — and to submit evidence of compliance.

Similarly, De-Graft Paitoo was told to clarify the nature and origin of the doctoral title he uses, including whether it was honorary or earned, and to stop using it in the meantime.

GTEC also directed Kwame Adom-Frimpong to cease referring to himself as “Professor” unless he could provide documentation of an official academic appointment to that rank from a recognized institution. He was instructed to remove the title from all public-facing materials and submit proof of doing so.

The Commission emphasized that the unauthorized use of academic titles not only misleads the public but also violates established educational standards in Ghana. It reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that academic and honorary titles are used responsibly and in line with recognized academic practices.