'Provide proof or stop using the title Dr' - GTEC to Spio-Garbrah

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has directed Presidential Special Envoy for Reparations, Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, to provide evidence that validates the use of his academic title "Dr" or cease using it.

In a statement issued on July 26, 2026, and signed by the Deputy Director-General, Augustine Ocloo, the Commission said it had taken note of Spio-Garbrah's use of the title "Dr" in reference to himself as "Amb Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah."

GTEC said it was concerned about the use of academic titles that have not been duly earned or conferred through a recognised academic process.

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"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 or conferred through a recognized academic process.

"The use of such titles—particularly when lacking formal academic validation—can be misleading and is inconsistent with established academic protocols and standards governing the conferment and use of academic ranks in Ghana," it said.

It has therefore requested that Spio-Garbrah provide clarification on the title, including the name of the institution that awarded the doctorate, whether the degree is earned or honorary, the date it was conferred, and the process through which it was awarded.

"The Commission hereby requests that you provide the following documentation: Clarification regarding the use of the title “Dr.”, specifically: 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 statement said.

GTEC asked for full cooperation from Spio-Garbrah and set July 31, 2026, as the deadline for compliance.

"The Commission expects your full cooperation in addressing this matter and looks forward to your prompt compliance by July 31, 2026," the statement added.

See the full statement below:

JKB/BAI

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