Prove ‘Dr.’ Title Or Drop It – GTEC To Spio-Garbrah

Ekwow Spio-Garbrah

 

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has directed Ghana’s Presidential Envoy for Reparations, Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, to provide evidence of his use of the academic title “Dr.” or cease using it if it was not duly earned or conferred through a recognised academic process.

A statement issued by the Commission on Monday, July 27, 2026, said the use of academic titles, particularly when lacking formal academic validation, could be misleading and, therefore, requested that Ekwow Spio-Garbrah provide among others documentation and clarification regarding the use of the title “Dr.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission wishes to formally express its concern regarding the use of academic titles that have not been duly earned of conferred through a recognised academic process.

“The use of such titles – particularly when lacking formal academic validation – can be misleading and inconsistent with established academic protocols and standards governing the conferment and use of academic ranks in Ghana,” GTEC pointed out.

Other information requested by GTEC from Ekwow Spio-Garbrah are the name of the awarding institution, whether the doctoral degree is earned or honorary, the date it was conferred and the process through which it was conferred.

The Commission added that should Ekwow Spio-Garbrah fail to provide the required documentation, then he should desist from using the title “Dr.” and withdraw it from all relevant platforms.

“Sir, should you be unable to provide the required documentation, you will be expected –without delay – to respectfully cease the use of the title “Dr.” Furthermore, you must provide verifiable evidence that this title has been withdrawn from all relevant platforms, including but not limited to official documents, institutional profiles, websites, letterheads, and any other public or professional representations,” it stated.

By Ebenezer K. Amponsah

 

 

 

 

 

 

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