News
Parliament Waives Visa Requirements To Four Countries
Parliament of Ghana has adopted and approved ratification of agreements to waive visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, service and ordinary passports to countries namely Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe, Columbia and Commonwealth of Dominica.
Presenting the reports on the floor of the House, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije noted that the objectives of the agreements seek to support multilateral partnership in key areas including education, energy, promote trade, tourism and agriculture.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa explained to the House that there are no immediate or direct revenue losses anticipated from the implementations of the Agreements.
However, he was of the view that the visa waiver arrangements will contribute to increase trade, tourism, and other forms of bilateral cooperation resulting in long-term socio-economic benefits to the countries involved.
News
27 persons arrested, excavators and weapons seized at Ankaase Gyadam
The Ghana Police Service, in a coordinated intelligence-led operation, has arrested twenty-seven (27) male suspects during an anti-illegal mining operation at Ankaase Gyadam, near Asamang Tamfoe in the Eastern Region on Friday, July 25, 2025
The suspects were arrested while actively engaging in illegal mining activities at various sites in the area.
During the operation, some individuals attempted to obstruct and attack police officers on duty, wielding machetes and other offensive implements.
Eleven (11) excavators, one (1) bulldozer, one (1) pump-action shotgun, three (3) saloon vehicles, one (1) Mitsubishi pickup truck, one (1) pick loader, several water pumping machines, and other mining equipment were seized from the sites.
All the suspects are in police custody assisting investigation, while exhibits have been retained in secure custody.
News
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
