GTEC Demands Proof of Envoy’s ‘Dr.’ Title
Commission gives Presidential Special Envoy until July 31 to justify use of academic title or stop using it.
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has formally directed Presidential Special Envoy for Reparations, Ambassador Dr. Ekow Spio-Garbrah, to provide evidence validating his use of the academic title “Dr.” or immediately cease using it if he is unable to substantiate the claim. In a statement dated July 27, 2026, and signed by Prof. Augustine Ocloo, Deputy Director-General, for the Director-General, the Commission said it had taken note of the envoy’s use of the title, particularly in references where he identifies himself as “Amb. Dr. Ekow Spio-Garbrah.”
GTEC said the request forms part of its mandate to uphold academic integrity and ensure that academic titles are used in accordance with established standards. “The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has taken note of your use of the academic title ‘Dr.’, specifically in reference to yourself as Amb. Dr. Ekow Spio-Garbrah,” the letter stated.
It explained that concerns had arisen over the possibility that the title may not have been earned or conferred through a recognized academic process. “For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission wishes to formally express its concern regarding the use of academic titles that have not been duly earned or conferred through a recognized academic process. The use of such titles—particularly when lacking formal academic validation—can be misleading and is inconsistent with established academic protocols and standards governing the conferment and use of academic ranks in Ghana.” The statement read.
To clarify the matter, GTEC requested that Ambassador Spio-Garbrah submit documentation detailing: The name of the institution that awarded the doctorate; whether the doctoral degree was earned or honorary; the date the degree was conferred; and the process through which it was awarded. The Commission further indicated that failure to provide the requested documentation would require the envoy to immediately discontinue the use of the title “Dr.” and furnish proof that it had been withdrawn from all public and official platforms.
“Sir, should you be unable to provide the required documentation, you will be expected—without delay—to respectfully cease the use of the title ‘Dr.’ Furthermore, you must provide verifiable evidence that this title has been withdrawn from all relevant platforms, including but not limited to official documents, institutional profiles, websites, letterheads, and any other public or professional representations.”
According to the statement, GTEC expects the matter to be resolved promptly and has set July 31, 2026, as the deadline for compliance. “The Commission expects your full cooperation in addressing this matter and looks forward to your prompt compliance by 31st July, 2026.” The statement also indicated that a copy of the correspondence was also addressed to the Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Jubilee House, signalling the significance attached to the issue.
The latest directive forms part of GTEC’s continuing efforts to enforce standards governing the use of academic titles in Ghana and to preserve public confidence in the country’s higher education system.
By: Joyce Owusu
