The People’s National Party (PNP) has officially petitioned the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to initiate a comprehensive audit of academic qualifications held by appointees in the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, as well as all public sector employees across the country.
In a statement addressed to GTEC’s Director-General, Professor Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, PNP Chairperson Janet Nabla called for a rigorous verification of academic credentials — including diplomas, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhDs — particularly those obtained from foreign universities, where oversight may be limited.
The party expressed growing alarm over what it described as a surge in fraudulent academic qualifications infiltrating public institutions. It warned that this trend poses a serious threat to the credibility of Ghana’s education system and undermines public trust in governance.
“The widespread use of fake certificates not only undermines the integrity of our educational system but also erodes public confidence in our institutions,” the petition stated.
To promote transparency, the PNP proposed the creation of a centralised, publicly accessible database of verified qualifications from accredited institutions, akin to global practices seen with databases like WES Degree Equivalency Tool.
This database, the PNP believes, would empower both public and private sector employers to verify credentials prior to recruitment or appointment, helping to eliminate fake degrees from the system.
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The PNP also recommended a sustainable funding model — the introduction of a “GTEC Monitoring and Evaluation Fee”, a mandatory charge for all tertiary-level students, to support continuous nationwide verification efforts.
“A country that fails to scrutinise the educational background of its leaders and workforce is bound to face persistent economic and governance challenges,” the party said. “Individuals who rely on fake certifications lack integrity, and no nation can progress on the back of deceit.”
The PNP’s petition comes amid recent GTEC directives ordering several public figures to cease using academic titles such as “Dr” or “Prof” without verified credentials. Notable individuals affected include:
Rashid Tanko-Computer, CEO of GIFEC
Dr. Joseph Obeng, President of GUTA
Desmond De-Graft Paitoo, Member of Parliament for Gomoa East
The PNP insists this issue must be addressed urgently to restore integrity in Ghana’s educational and political leadership.
source: citinewsroom
