The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission has written to Presidential Special Envoy for Reparations, Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, requesting clarification over his use of the academic title “Dr.” and asking him to provide evidence of the qualification upon which the title is based.
In a letter addressed to Amb. Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, the Commission said it had taken note of his use of the title “Dr.” in official and public representations and expressed concern that academic titles should only be used where they have been duly earned or conferred through recognised academic processes.
According to GTEC, the use of academic titles without formal academic validation could be misleading and is inconsistent with established academic protocols and standards governing the conferment and use of academic ranks in Ghana.
The Commission has, therefore, requested Spio-Garbrah to provide clarification on his use of the title, including the name of the institution that awarded the doctorate, whether the degree was earned or honorary, the date it was conferred and the process through which it was awarded.
GTEC further stated that if he is unable to provide the requested documentation, he would be expected to cease using the title “Dr.” without delay.
It also asked him to furnish verifiable evidence that the title had been removed from all relevant platforms, including official documents, institutional profiles, websites, letterheads and any other public or professional representations.
The Commission’s letter forms part of its ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with national standards governing the use of academic titles in Ghana.
As of the contents of the letter made available, there was no response from Mr Spio-Garbrah to GTEC’s request.
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