The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has directed Ghana’s Presidential Envoy for Reparations, Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, to provide evidence supporting his use of the academic title “Dr.” or immediately discontinue using it if he is unable to demonstrate that it was legitimately conferred.
The directive was contained in a statement issued by the Commission on Monday, July 27, 2026, following concerns over the use of the title in public and official references describing him as “Amb. Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah.”
According to GTEC, the use of academic titles that have not been earned through recognised academic processes has the potential to mislead the public and undermine the integrity of Ghana’s higher education system.
The Commission stressed that all academic titles must be supported by formal academic validation and used in accordance with established standards governing the award and recognition of academic qualifications in Ghana.
As part of its verification process, GTEC has requested Mr. Spio-Garbrah to submit documentary evidence explaining the basis for his use of the title “Dr.”
The Commission has specifically asked the Presidential Envoy to provide information including:
- The name of the institution that awarded the doctorate.
- Whether the qualification is an earned doctoral degree or an honorary doctorate.
- The date the doctorate was conferred.
- The process through which the qualification was awarded.
GTEC said the requested information will enable it to determine whether the title is being used in accordance with Ghana’s academic regulations and internationally accepted standards.
The Commission warned that if Mr. Spio-Garbrah fails to provide satisfactory evidence supporting his use of the title, he will be required to immediately stop using “Dr.” in all public and professional engagements.
Additionally, GTEC said he must provide proof that the title has been removed from all official and public platforms where it currently appears.
These include:
- Official documents.
- Institutional profiles.
- Websites.
- Letterheads.
- Public biographies.
- Other professional representations.
GTEC gave Ekwow Spio-Garbrah until July 31, 2026, to submit the requested documentation and expressed confidence that he would cooperate fully with the verification process.
The Commission has in recent years intensified efforts to ensure the proper use of academic titles in Ghana, warning that individuals who use unverified or improperly conferred titles risk misleading the public and undermining confidence in the country’s educational standards.
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