The People’s National Party (PNP) is calling for a sweeping audit of academic certificates held by public officials, including appointees under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
The party has formally petitioned the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), urging the regulator to verify the authenticity of all qualifications held by individuals serving in public office.
In a statement addressed to GTEC Director-General Professor Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, PNP Chairperson Janet Nabla pressed for a far-reaching verification exercise covering diplomas, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, particularly those obtained from foreign universities.
According to the PNP, the growing prevalence of fraudulent academic credentials in public institutions poses a serious threat to Ghana’s educational credibility and democratic integrity.
“The widespread use of fake certificates not only undermines the integrity of our educational system but also erodes public trust in governance and the credibility of our institutions,” the letter stated.
The PNP is proposing that GTEC create a secure, centralised, and publicly accessible database of verified academic credentials issued by all accredited institutions in Ghana. This, the party argues, will allow public and private employers to independently confirm academic records before making hiring or appointment decisions.
As a way to fund the proposed audit and ensure its continuity, the PNP has suggested a mandatory “GTEC Monitoring and Evaluation Fee” for all students at the tertiary level. The funds, the party said, would be used to support ongoing assessment and verification of academic qualifications nationwide.
“A country that fails to scrutinise the educational background of its leaders and workforce is bound to face persistent economic and governance challenges. Individuals who resort to fake certifications demonstrate a lack of integrity, and no nation can develop on the foundation of deceit,” the statement added.
The petition comes amid increasing scrutiny over academic titles in the public space. GTEC has in recent months issued directives for several public officials and prominent individuals to cease using the titles “Dr.” or “Prof.” after determining that they lacked appropriate academic justification.
Those affected include Rashid Tanko-Computer, CEO of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC); Dr. Joseph Obeng, President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA); and Member of Parliament for Gomoa East, Desmond De-Graft Paitoo.
The PNP insists that if Ghana is to uphold standards of integrity and meritocracy, the verification of academic qualifications must become a permanent and transparent feature of public service administration.
