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 stop using it if he cannot prove that it was legitimately conferred.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 27, 2026, the Commission said it had observed the use of the title, particularly in references describing him as “Amb. Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah.”
According to GTEC, the use of academic titles that have not been earned or awarded through recognised academic processes is misleading and undermines the integrity of Ghana’s higher education system.
The Commission stressed that academic titles must be supported by formal academic qualifications and used in accordance with the laws and standards governing the conferment and recognition of academic credentials in Ghana.
To verify the legitimacy of the title, GTEC has requested Mr Spio-Garbrah to submit documentation indicating the institution that awarded the doctorate, whether it is an earned doctoral degree or an honorary doctorate, the date it was conferred, and the process through which it was awarded.
The Commission said if Mr Spio-Garbrah is unable to provide the required evidence, he would be expected to immediately discontinue the use of the title “Dr.”
He would also be required to provide proof that the title has been removed from all official and public platforms where it appears, including official documents, institutional profiles, websites, letterheads and other professional representations.
GTEC gave Mr Spio-Garbrah until July 31, 2026, to comply with the directive, expressing the expectation that he would cooperate fully in resolving the matter.
The latest directive forms part of GTEC’s ongoing efforts to enforce the proper use of academic titles and protect the credibility of academic qualifications in Ghana.
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