By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has issued a stern warning to Mr. Richard Kofi Asiedu, the Central Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), for his continued use of the academic title “Professor” despite lacking the required academic credentials.
In two separate letters dated June 19 and July 28, 2025, GTEC expressed deep concern over Mr. Asiedu’s persistent use of the honorary title, describing it as misleading and in violation of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023). According to the Commission, Mr. Asiedu has failed to comply with earlier directives to cease using the title and to provide documentation verifying its removal from public platforms.
The Commission emphasized that while it does not dispute the conferral of honorary titles on Mr. Asiedu by accredited institutions, their use without formal academic validation is misleading and unethical. The use of the title “Professor,” GTEC insists, should be reserved for individuals who have earned it through academic merit and formal processes as outlined in law.
“Given his position and stature, the Commission had expected Mr. Asiedu to exhibit full compliance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements,” wrote GTEC Director-General Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai. “On the contrary, he continues to publicly present himself as ‘Professor,’ as evidenced in promotional materials.”
GTEC cited Section 8(4)(d) of Act 1023, which mandates the Commission to regulate and protect the use of academic and professional titles, including “Professor,” “Doctor,” and “Chartered.” The Commission warned that continued noncompliance could result in legal action.
In a related letter to the National Chairman of the NDC, GTEC appealed for party leadership intervention to ensure Mr. Asiedu adheres to the directives. The Commission stressed that the issue is not politically motivated but rather a regulatory obligation to protect the integrity of academic titles in Ghana.
Meanwhile, GTEC clarified that it acknowledges the accreditation of Alfred Nobel University in Dnipro, Ukraine one of the institutions said to have awarded Mr. Asiedu an honorary title. However, the Commission reiterated that honorary degrees do not entitle recipients to use such titles in official or academic capacities unless specifically authorized.
Mr. Asiedu has until July 31, 2025, to comply with GTEC’s directive or face possible legal consequences. The Commission has copied the Chief of Staff at Jubilee House and the NDC General Secretary to ensure wider awareness and support for its enforcement actions.
This development reignites public discourse around the misuse of academic titles in Ghana, especially by prominent individuals. GTEC has assured the public of its commitment to upholding the standards of tertiary education and academic integrity in the country.
