The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has dismissed claims by Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah that she holds the academic rank of professor, cautioning her against misrepresenting herself with the title.

In a letter addressed to the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, GTEC said it had earlier requested Dr. Ayensu-Danquah to provide proof of her professorial appointment by August 11, 2025.

Her legal team, led by David K. Ametefe, responded on August 8, arguing that she was appointed as an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Utah, USA, and further contended that GTEC lacked jurisdiction to demand evidence of an appointment made outside Ghana.

However, according to GTEC, documents submitted contained inconsistencies. A letter from the University of Utah, signed by Prof. W. Bradford Rockwell, Vice Chair for Academic Affairs in the Department of Surgery, confirmed that Dr. Ayensu-Danquah was appointed an Adjunct Assistant Professor, not Assistant Professor as claimed.

The Commission stressed that omitting the term “Adjunct” was misleading, explaining that the role is a non-tenure track position which, under Ghana’s academic system, is comparable to a part-time lecturer rather than a senior lecturer or professor.

“Based on the above, the Commission concludes that Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah does not hold the title of Professor in any capacity,” GTEC stated.

It has therefore urged her employers to ensure she refrains from using the title. The Commission also warned that if she persists, it may pursue legal action on grounds of public deception.