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GTEC demands proof of PhD from Hassan Ayariga over alleged misuse of ‘Doctor’ title
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) is demanding proof of an earned doctorate from politician Hassan Ayariga, following what it describes as the questionable use of the title “Doctor.”
Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the Director-General of GTEC, Professor Ahmed Abdulai Jinapor, said Mr. Ayariga has made inconsistent claims about his academic qualifications, which the commission finds concerning.
“We made it clear to him that we are not interested in honorary titles. what we are asking for is evidence of an earned, accredited academic PhD,” Prof. Jinapor told journalists.
According to him, Mr. Ayariga claimed in one interview that he holds a PhD in Business Management with a thesis in Political Science, and in another, that he has a PhD in Political Science with a thesis on Political Tolerance.
“He mentioned that he has two honorary doctorates and what he called a ‘platinum’ doctorate. None of these claims have been supported with valid academic documents.” Prof. Jinapor said.
Prof. Jinapor said the Commission reached out to Mr. Ayariga through several informal messages and followed up with four official letters, yet no response or documentation has been received.
“We made every effort to give him the opportunity to clarify, but to date, we have not seen any proof of a recognized academic qualification,” he stated.
He stressed that under the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), it is illegal for anyone to use academic titles such as “Doctor” or “Professor” without verifiable academic credentials.
“Titles like ‘Hon. Dr.,’ ‘Dr. (Hon.),’ or ‘Prof. (Hon.)’ are not legally recognized and must not be used as though they reflect earned academic status,” he clarified.
He warned that such actions amount to public deception and are punishable under Ghanaian law.
“The law is very clear. Any false claim to academic titles is a violation and may attract sanctions or prosecution,” he cautioned.
Prof. Jinapor further urged public figures, institutions, and the general public to ensure that any academic or professional title used in public is backed by credible and traceable academic records.
“We have a responsibility to protect the integrity of our tertiary education system, and we will not hesitate to act against those who undermine it,” he reiterated.
By Jacob Aggrey
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has announced that it will begin a special revenue mobilisation exercise on Monday, November 10, 2025, to recover all monies owed to the Assembly for the 2025 fiscal year.
According to the AMA, the exercise aims to boost revenue generation and improve service delivery across the city.
it sais a Revenue Mobilisation Task Force will visit businesses, properties, and outdoor advertising locations to reconcile bills and collect outstanding payments.
The Assembly advised all ratepayers to make available valid receipts of payment for Business Operating Permits (BOPs), Property Rates, Outdoor Advertising Fees, and Rents.
The Assembly added that those who may not be present during the exercise are encouraged to leave their receipts with caretakers to avoid penalties, as no excuses will be accepted from defaulters or their agents.
The assembly noted that the task force will also remove all unauthorised billboards, and companies found to have erected such structures without permits will be surcharged with the cost of removal.
The AMA urged all businesses and property owners to cooperate with the exercise, noting that the funds collected will help the Assembly continue to provide essential services such as sanitation, infrastructure development, and public safety.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Former Greater Accra Regional Minister, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus Glover, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to review his approach to governance, describing it as “not the best.”
He said the recent bail conditions imposed on some former government officials are unfair and appear to be punitive rather than just.
Mr. Glover made these comments during an interview on Metro TV.
He explained that bail is supposed to allow an accused person to appear before the court while the case is being tried, and not to serve as a form of punishment.
“If you want me to appear regularly before the police and the court, you can put a condition for me, but it should not be punitive. You can take my passport, ask me to report, or inspect my property. But where you make the bail so high that the person cannot even meet it, that becomes punishment,” he said.
He noted that some of the accused persons, including former government officials such as “my brother Assibey and my sister Gifty,” are still in custody because they have not been able to meet their bail requirements.
“What is the use of it? You keep them in incarceration, and they cannot have their day in court. Then you slap them with high bail conditions, making it difficult for them to secure their release. So what kind of justice are we talking about?,” he questioned.
Mr. Glover further criticized what he described as prejudicial comments made against accused persons before their cases are even heard in court, adding that it undermines justice.
He said the government, through agencies like the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the police, and the Office of the Special Prosecutor, should ensure fairness and transparency in handling such cases.
He urged President Mahama to pay attention to these developments, warning that such practices affect the country’s image and governance.
By: Jacob Aggrey
