GTEC issues warning to NDC's Central Regional chairman over unverified 'Professor' title

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has formally warned Richard Kofi Asiedu, the Central Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to cease using the academic title "Professor" due to a lack of proper academic validation.

In a letter dated July 28, 2024, and addressed to the NDC’s National Chairman, GTEC expressed concern over Mr. Asiedu’s continued use of the title despite previous instructions to discontinue it.

Referring to Section 8(4)(d) of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), the Commission emphasised that it is illegal to use academic titles without verifiable qualifications.

GTEC had previously instructed Mr. Asiedu on June 2, 2025, to remove the title from all public platforms and provide proof of his highest academic qualifications.

Despite this directive, the Commission observed that Mr. Asiedu continued to use the title, including on promotional materials such as a conference poster for the 2025 EELL Conference, which described him as "Prof. Richard Kofi Asiedu" and claimed he held "earned doctorates."

While GTEC acknowledged that Mr. Asiedu had received honorary titles from accredited institutions, it clarified that these cannot be used in place of formally earned academic qualifications, especially without verification or equivalence recognition.

Citing Sections 7(i) and 8(4)(e) of Act 1023, which empower GTEC to validate academic credentials and assess foreign degrees, such as those reportedly awarded by Alfred Nobel University in Ukraine, the Commission has given Mr. Asiedu a final deadline of July 31, 2025, to comply with its directive or face legal action.

GTEC has also appealed to the NDC leadership to intervene in the matter and ensure that it is resolved amicably. The Commission reiterated its authority to regulate the use of academic titles in Ghana, warning that failure to comply could lead to legal sanctions.

“GTEC has the statutory authority to regulate the use of academic titles in Ghana, and any individual who fails to comply risks legal sanctions,” the statement said.

In recent months, GTEC has also written to several other public figures, including government officials, to stop using unverified academic titles.

These include the CEO of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), Rashid Tanko-Computer; President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Dr. Joseph Obeng; and the Member of Parliament for Gomoa East, Desmond De-Graft Paitoo.