The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has instructed Presidential Special Envoy for Reparations, Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, to provide proof supporting his use of the academic title “Dr” or discontinue using it if he cannot substantiate the designation.
In a statement dated July 26, 2026, and signed by the Commission’s Deputy Director-General, Augustine Ocloo, GTEC said it had observed that Mr. Spio-Garbrah refers to himself as “Amb Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah” in official and public engagements.
According to the Commission, it is concerned about the growing use of academic titles that have not been obtained through recognised academic institutions or properly conferred under accepted academic procedures.
GTEC stated that the use of unverified academic titles has the potential to mislead the public and undermines the standards governing the conferment and use of academic qualifications in Ghana.
To clarify the matter, the Commission has requested detailed information regarding Mr. Spio-Garbrah’s claimed doctoral title, including the name of the institution that awarded the degree, whether it is an earned doctorate or an honorary award, the date it was conferred and the process through which it was obtained.
The Commission also requested supporting documentation to verify the authenticity of the qualification.
GTEC urged Mr. Spio-Garbrah to cooperate fully with the request and directed him to submit the required information by July 31, 2026.
The Commission maintained that the exercise forms part of its efforts to uphold the integrity and credibility of academic titles and qualifications used in Ghana.
See the full statement below:
