A Ghanaian citizen and an advocate for good governance and social equity, Odeneho Kwaku Takyi has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to immediately dismiss the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), Sofo Tanko Rashid Computer for holding an alleged fraudulent PhD in Public Administration.
The doctorate degree was purportedly obtained in 2016 from an unaccredited “Kingsnow University (https://kingsnowuniversity.com/)” in the United States of America.
According to him, this grave situation does not only represent a significant breach of public trust and a scandalous act of academic fraud, but also directly contravenes the fundamental principles enshrined in the 1992 Constitution and Code of Conduct 2025 for public officials (promulgated by your very good self) and other laws of the Republic of Ghana.
The petitioner disclosed that several weeks of comprehensive investigation into “Kingsnow University” has yielded no credible evidence of its legitimacy as an accredited academic institution neither in the USA or any other pan of the globe.
He noted that, more intriguing is the fact that, despite its self-promotional website (httoS://kingsnounniversitv COW) and (ms://www,coocic.com/search?crkintsnowuniversimwordnrcss.com ) claiming to be a “prestigious provider of accredited online degrees,” and short courses, the following critical facts demonstrate its fraudulent nature:
He further observed that “Kingsnow University” is conspicuously absent from all authoritative databases of recognized and accredited universities in the United States, including those maintained by the US Department of Education (USDOE) (wwwednov ) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) awarding body databases such as the UK’s Hedd.ac.uk and the International Association of Universities’ World Higher Education Database (WHED) (v.%w.whed.net ). confirm that “Kingsnow University” does not exist in any world records as a legitimate academic institution.
“Based on these findings, it is unequivocally clear that any degree, particularly a PhD, obtained from “Kingsnow University’ is not academically credible or legitimately recognized by mainstream academic and professional standards. The fundamental value of a doctoral degree is intrinsically linked to the recognized accreditation of the issuing institution, without which the credential is null and void.” the peition said.
The petitioner, popularly known as Sir Obama aside demanding the dismissal of Sofo Tanko Rashid Computer is urhing the president to drect the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission to conduct investigations into his Bachelor’s and Postgraduate Degrees
Direct the appropriate law enforcement agencies, including the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney General’s Department, to commence immediate criminal prosecution against Sofo Tanko Rashid Computer under the relevant sections of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). and any other applicable laws.
Implement stringent verification processes for all current and future public appointees’ academic qualifications to prevent such occurrences in the future and to safeguard the integrity of public office.
Apply the full force of Section Six of the Code of Conduct 2025, which outlines measures against violations, ranging from formal reprimand to termination of appointment. Given the severity of this academic fraud and false representation. termination and subsequent prosecution arc the appropriate courses of action.
This petition follows a June3, 2025 letter from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GITEC) to Tanko Computer directing him to cease the immediate use of the Doctor title — after discovering the opaqueness of his [Tanko’s] PhD credentials.
Read below the full petition
I, Odeneho Kwaku Takyi, a citizen of Ghana, and an advocate for good governance and social equity, respectfully write to you with profound concern and a solemn appeal for justice and accountability within our public service and governance architecture.
My petition addresses the deeply troubling revelation that one of your appointees, Sofo Tanko Rashid Computer (alias Dr. Tanko Computer), the current Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), holds a fraudulent PhD in Public Administration, purportedly obtained in 2016 from an unaccredited “Kingsnow University (https://kingsnowuniversity.com/)” in the United States of America.
This grave situation does not only represent a significant breach of public trust and a scandalous act of academic fraud, but also directly contravenes the fundamental principles enshrined in the 1992 Constitution and Code of Conduct 2025 for public officials (promulgated by your very good self) and other laws of the Republic of Ghana.
Detailed Findings on “Kingsnow University”:
Several weeks of comprehensive investigation into “Kingsnow University” has yielded no credible evidence of its legitimacy as an accredited academic institution neither in the USA or any other pan of the globe. More intriguing is the fact that, despite its self-promotional website (httoS://kingsnounniversitv COW) and (ms://www,coocic.com/search?crkintsnowuniversimwordnrcss.com ) claiming to be a “prestigious provider of accredited online degrees,” and short courses, the following critical facts demonstrate its fraudulent nature:
Absence from Official Accreditation Listings: “Kingsnow University” is
conspicuously absent from all authoritative databases of recognized and accredited universities in the United States, including those maintained by the US Department of Education (USDOE) (wwwednov ) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) awarding body databases such as the UK’s Hedd.ac.uk and the International Association of Universities’ World Higher Education Database (WHED) (v.%w.whed.net ). confirm that “Kingsnow University” does not exist in any world records as a legitimate academic institution.
Based on these findings, it is unequivocally clear that any degree, particularly a PhD, obtained from “Kingsnow University’ is not academically credible or legitimately recognized by mainstream academic and professional standards. The fundamental value of a doctoral degree is intrinsically linked to the recognized accreditation of the issuing institution, without which the credential is null and void.
You may have also become aware of the June3, 2025 letter from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GITEC) to Tanko Computer directing him to cease the immediate use of the Doctor title — after discovering the opaqueness of his [Tanko’s] PhD credentials.
Violations of the Code of Conduct 2025:
Sofo Tanko Rashid Computer’s presentation of a fake PhD constitutes a direct and egregious violation of the Code of Conduct 2025 for Ministerial and Public Appointees. Specifically, his actions breach:
1.1 Ministerial Conduct (page 11): This section requires ministers and all political appointees to act honestly and ensure their actions can withstand the closest public scrutiny. Misrepresenting academic credentials fundamentally undermines honesty and integrity. •
1.2 Statement of Ethics (page 12): This section explicitly mandates appointees to act honestly, uphold truthfulness and transparency, and perform duties in a manner that preserves public confidence and trust in the integrity, objectivity, and impartiality of government. A fake PhD directly violates these ethical obligations. •
1.5.11 Discipline, Diligence & Professionalism (page 27): This section requires appointees to act with diligence and integrity and to refrain from deliberately misleading the public on any significant matter related to their official functions. Presenting a falsified academic qualification is a clear act of deliberate misinformation and a severe breach of integrity.
Applicable Ghanaian Laws and Potential Criminal Offenses:
Beyond the Code of Conduct, Sofo Tanko Rashid Computer actions fall under serious criminal offenses under Ghanaian law, subjecting him to legal prosecution. The relevant laws and sections include:
Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29): o Section 131: Defrauding by false pretence. Presenting a fake PhD to secure or (www.chea ore ). For the avoidance of doubt. both bodies maintain “positive lists” of accredited institutions, and “Kingsnow University” is not found in association with any recognized accrediting body.
Characteristics of a Diploma Mill: The institution’s online presence, with its vague claims of “flexibility,” “widc range of disciplines,” and emphasis on “technology-driven education, mirrors the modus operandi of known diploma mills—entities that sell degrees with little to no academic rigor.
Lack of Mainstream Recognition: There are no mainstream news articles, academic references, or listings in reputable global university rankings or directories that acknowledge “Kingsnow University.” This consistent absence is a hallmark of fraudulent academic providers.
No Existence in World Records: My checks, including searches on recognized degree- maintain a high-ranking government position like CEO of GIFEC is a clear act of defrauding by false pretence, as it involves obtaining a benefit (the appointment) through false representation.
Sections 158 and 159: Forgery. Rashid Computer created or used a forged PhD certificate; of which this section concerning the forgery of official or other documents with intent to defraud would apply.
Section 166: Possessing forged documents. He possesses and presented a document he knew to be forged, with intent to defraud. and as such this section is applicable for his removal. o Section 20: Abetment of a criminal offence. Any individuals who assisted him in obtaining or using the fake PhD could be liable for abetment.
Public Service Regulations and Codes of Conduct: As a public appointee. Rashid Computer is also subject to internal disciplinary actions under the broader Code of Conduct for Public Officers (enshrined in Chapter 24 of the 1992 Constitution) and specific regulations governing the public service. Misrepresentation of academic qualifications constitutes a serious breach, warranting disciplinary action, including dismissal.
Call to Action:
Your Excellency, the integrity of our public service and the confidence of the Ghanaian populace in government institutions arc at stake. Allowing an individual to hold a critical public office such as the CEO of GIFEC based on fraudulent academic credentials sets a dangerous precedent and erodes public trust.
I, therefore, respectfully but firmly petition your esteemed office to: 1. Immediately DISMISS from office Sofo Tanko Rashid Computer as CEO of GIFEC
2. Initiate a thorough and transparent investigation into how this fraudulent qualification was accepted and whether any other public appointees under his supervision or within GIFEC may also hold unverified or fake credentials.
3. Direct the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission to conduct investigations into his Bachelor’s and Postgraduate Degrees
4. Direct the appropriate law enforcement agencies, including the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney General’s Department, to commence immediate criminal prosecution against Sofo Tanko Rashid Computer under the relevant sections of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). and any other applicable laws.
5. Implement stringent verification processes for all current and future public appointees’ academic qualifications to prevent such occurrences in the future and to safeguard the integrity of public office.
6. Apply the full force of Section Six of the Code of Conduct 2025, which outlines measures against violations, ranging from formal reprimand to termination of appointment. Given the severity of this academic fraud and false representation. termination and subsequent prosecution arc the appropriate courses of action.
It is my fervent belief that a swift and decisive action by the presidency in this matter will send a clear message that integrity, honesty, and accountability are paramount in Ghana’s public service. Conversely, failure to address this issue with the urgency and seriousness it demands would further undermine public confidence and tacitly condone academic fraud.
I eagerly await your decisive action to uphold the rule of law and protect the sanctity of our public institutions.
Thank you.
Odeneho Kwaku Takyi (Sir Obama) Tel: 0537298849 sirobamapok-uasetr@gmail.com
Cc: Her Excellency Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Ag.emang, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana
Rt. Hon. Alban S. K. Bagbin The Speaker of Parliament Republic of Ghana
Hon. Julius Debrah The Chief of Staff Office of the President
Hon. Dominic A. Avinc The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu
I have formally petitioned @JDMahama to terminate the appointment of embattled GIFEC boss, Tanko Computer over academic fraud. pic.twitter.com/jCHPR1tt1O
— 𝐒𝐢𝐫-𝐎𝐛𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐏𝐨𝐤𝐮𝐚𝐬𝐞 (@dtadomako) June 12, 2025
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