GTEC orders Spio-Garbrah to prove ‘Dr.’ title or stop using it

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has directed Ghana’s Presidential Envoy for Reparations, Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, to provide evidence supporting his use of the academic title “Dr.” or cease using it if he is unable to prove that it was legitimately conferred.

In a statement issued on Monday, July 27, 2026, GTEC said it had taken note of the use of the title, particularly in references describing him as “Amb. Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah.”

The Commission said the use of academic titles that have not been earned or conferred through a recognised academic process is a matter of concern and could be misleading to the public.

GTEC explained that academic titles must be backed by formal academic validation and used in accordance with established standards governing the conferment and recognition of academic qualifications in Ghana.

As part of efforts to clarify the matter, the Commission has requested documentation from Mr Spio-Garbrah detailing the basis for his use of the title “Dr”.

The requested information includes the name of the institution that awarded the doctorate, whether the qualification is an earned doctoral degree or an honorary doctorate, the date it was conferred, and the process through which it was awarded.

GTEC stated that should Spio-Garbrah fail to provide the required documentation, he will be expected to immediately stop using the title “Dr.” and provide evidence that it has been removed from all platforms where it appears.

These platforms include official documents, institutional profiles, websites, letterheads, and any other public or professional representations.

The Commission gave Spio-Garbrah until July 31, 2026, to respond to the directive and said it expects his full cooperation in resolving the matter.