The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has directed Ghana’s Presidential Envoy for Reparations, Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, to provide evidence to support his use of the academic title “Dr.” or stop using it if he cannot prove that it was properly awarded.

In a letter dated July 27, 2026, GTEC said it had observed that Mr. Spio-Garbrah describes himself publicly as “Amb. Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah.”

The Commission stated that it was concerned about the use of academic titles that have not been earned or formally conferred through a recognised 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,” the letter stated.

GTEC asked Mr. Spio-Garbrah to submit 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 letter was addressed to him at the Office of the Presidential Special Envoy for Reparations at the Castle, Osu, in Accra.

The Commission said that if he is unable to provide the required documentation, he should immediately stop using the title “Dr.”

It directed him to provide evidence that the title has been removed from official documents, institutional profiles, websites, letterheads, and any other public or professional platforms where it appears.

GTEC gave Mr. Spio-Garbrah until July 31, 2026, to submit the requested information.

By: Jacob Aggrey

Government has encouraged healthcare professionals and diagnostic service providers to continue working hard to save lives and to show greater compassion to patients across the country.

The call was made by, presidential staffer, Nana Yaa Jantuah, who represented Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, at the 2026 Ghana Medical and Diagnostics Excellence Awards held at the Marriott Hotel in Accra on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

She praised the organisers for bringing together medical professionals, laboratories, diagnostic centres and healthcare businesses to celebrate excellence in the sector.

Nana Yaa Jantuah described the awards as an important initiative that government supports and encouraged the organisers to sustain it.

She noted that many Ghanaians are living with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer and kidney disease, and stressed that healthcare workers play a critical role in giving hope to patients.

According to her, doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists and other health workers often work long hours and should continue to show empathy and compassion to the sick, especially vulnerable people.

She urged the public to adopt healthier lifestyles to reduce pressure on the country’s health system.

The annual awards ceremony recognises outstanding performance in healthcare delivery, diagnostics, laboratory services, medical technology and health education.

Previous editions honoured hospitals, diagnostic centres, laboratories and health professionals who contributed to improving healthcare in Ghana.

One of the award recipients, Mr. John Chibu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Carsona Global Imaging, said the recognition showed that the company had achieved some of its objectives in the healthcare sector.

He explained that Carsona began as a supplier of diagnostic imaging equipment, including ultrasound, CT scan and MRI systems, but has since expanded into constructing and operating diagnostic centres and hospitals.

Mr. Chibu said the company has extended its operations beyond Ghana to Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Togo, while maintaining Ghana as its headquarters. He added that Carsona plans to strengthen research and development to support healthcare solutions that are better suited to African populations.

Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Wisconsin International University College, Ghana, Professor Angela Kwatima Acheampong, also received an award at the event.

She attributed the institution’s recognition to its strong practical training model and the use of high-fidelity simulation equipment that allows nursing and midwifery students to practise clinical procedures before going to hospitals.

Professor Acheampong said the school has invested heavily in modern training equipment and postgraduate programmes in nursing and midwifery, with a strong focus on research and health technology.

She added that graduates of the institution are performing well in Ghana and abroad, and that feedback from employers and professional bodies has been positive.

The 2026 Ghana Medical and Diagnostics Excellence Awards brought together healthcare practitioners, academics, business leaders and policymakers to celebrate innovation, professionalism and service delivery in Ghana’s health sector.

By: Jacob Aggrey