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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 founder of the Base Movement and former Financier of the New Patriotic Party, Dr George Oti Bonsu has cut the sod for the opening of the new movement headquartered in Accra.
The launch, held on Monday, April 20, 2026, saw multitudes of supporters gather at the Obra spot at the Kwame Nkrumah interchange, adorned in The Base Movement T-shirts and colours symbolising Ghanaian heritage.
Supporters marched in the hot sun from the Obra Spot through Caprice, Avenor and to Tesano, where the party headquarters is based.
The event also saw a good number of supporters register to be part of the movement.
During the event, leaders and sub-leaders took turns calling for an end to the duopoly of the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress, advocating for the Base Movement to take over the country’s leadership.
In his opening remarks, the founder of the party, Dr George Oti Bonsu, indicated he preferres a businessman, either Ibrahim Mahama or Kennedy Agyapong, take over the reigns of the country.
He noted that as long as such individuals bring job opportunities to the youth, he would support that direction.
According to him, he has nothing to lose in life but wants to see the youth succeed in the future.
He added that The Base Movement has 98 branches across the country.
He appealed to supporters to welcome potential members rather than discard them.
He urged supporters to form as many branches as possible in their various constituencies to increase support for the movement.
He called for unity in the new movement and prayed for a good leader to lead it in the future.
The launch drew participants from the clergy, traditional leaders, academia, grassroots and many others.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Aspiring National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, has been granted a final deadline to file his witness statement.
This was after he appeared before an Accra High Court today and prayed the court to stay proceedings pending an appeal before the Court of Appeal.
Against this backdrop, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, was granted a final deadline of May 5, 2026, to file witness statements in the Samreboi illegal mining case after missing an earlier court-ordered deadline.
This was after the Deputy Attorney General, Justice Srem-Sai, prayed the court to convict Mr.Antwi Bosiako for failing to file his witness statement.
Speaking to the media after court proceedings, the lawyer for Mr.Antwi Boasiako said it was very unfortunate for the Deputy Attorney General to pray the court to convict the accused person, who has not even opened his defence.
He said coming from him (Justice Srem-Sai) left much to be desired because he is a Minister of Justice who should preside over fair decisions from the court.
According to Andy Appiah-Kubi, this is unbecoming of the AG, who is in a hurry to seek a conviction of someone in a criminal trial.
He said they did not file a witness statement because of a process filed at the Court of Appeal, whose determination may affect the matter at the High Court.
According to him, the constitution has a provision that requires an accused person to to be given adequate time, preparation and resources to be able to defend themselves when they are on trial.
He said, having filed this, they thought the High Court should will stay off proceedings until their application at the Court of Appeal is heard.
Chairman Wontumi and his company are facing six counts of allegedly permitting Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi to mine on the company’s concession without prior approval from the sector minister, as well as facilitating unlicensed mining activities.
It wil be recalled that in March this year, the High Court ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the accused persons and directed them to file their witness statements, on or before April 14, 2026.
