'Prove your doctorate or drop ‘Dr.’ title' — GTEC orders Spio-Garbrah

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 immediately discontinue its use if he is unable to demonstrate that it was legitimately conferred.

In a statement dated July 27, 2026, the Commission said it had observed the frequent use of the title in public references describing him as "Amb. Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah."

According to GTEC, the use of academic titles that have not been earned or awarded through recognised academic procedures is a matter of concern and has the potential to mislead the public.

The Commission stressed that academic titles must be supported by valid academic credentials and used in accordance with established regulations governing the award and recognition of qualifications in Ghana.

To verify the legitimacy of the title, GTEC has requested that Mr Spio-Garbrah submit documentation detailing the basis for his use of "Dr."

The Commission is seeking information including the name of the institution that awarded the doctorate, whether it is an earned doctoral degree or an honorary doctorate, the date of conferment, and the process through which the qualification was obtained.

GTEC stated that if Mr Spio-Garbrah is unable to provide the requested evidence, he will be required to stop using the title immediately and furnish proof that it has been removed from all official and public platforms.

According to the Commission, this includes official correspondence, institutional profiles, websites, letterheads and any other professional or public representations where the title appears.

GTEC gave Mr Spio-Garbrah until July 31, 2026, to respond to the directive and expressed the expectation that he would cooperate fully in resolving the matter.

Read full statement below: