Background
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) instructed Richard Kofi Asiedu, Central Regional Chairman of the NDC, to stop presenting himself as “Professor” or “Doctor.” Both titles came from honorary awards and cannot be used in any official or institutional context.
GTEC’s Findings
- GTEC reviewed his credentials and ruled that the “Professor” title lacked academic basis.
- The “Doctor” title also failed verification. Officials confirmed it was honorary and did not meet Ghana’s standards for earned academic degrees.
- In a letter dated August 13, 2025, Deputy Director-General Prof. Augustine Ocloo stated that Mr. Asiedu had not provided evidence of an earned doctorate.
Directive and Implications
GTEC ordered him to drop the two titles across official documents, letterheads, biographies, institutional records, and public platforms. The Commission argued that misused academic designations mislead the public and harm the credibility of Ghana’s education system.
Wider Context
This case has sparked a national conversation on honorary titles and how they should be presented. Education experts argue that titles not earned through formal study must remain clearly distinguished to protect public trust
