Another NDC Bigwig in Trouble Over Use of Academic Title as Richard Kofi Asiedu Receives Warning
- The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission has issued a warning to Richard Kofi Asiedu, the Central Regional Chairman of the NDC
- The commission issued the warning over Asiedu's continued use of the honorary title of professor
- Reports indicated the commission first wrote to him on June 2, 2025, demanding proof of the removal of the title
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission has issued a warning to Richard Kofi Asiedu, the Central Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), over his continued unauthorised use of an academic title.
Asiedu is said to be using the honorary title of professor.
Source: Facebook
Graphic Online reported that the commission accused Asiedu of defying its earlier directives to cease the practice, describing it as “unethical” and a violation of national law.
The commission first wrote to him on June 2, 2025, demanding proof of the removal of the title from all official records, according to Graphic Online..
He has also been instructed to submit his highest academic qualification for verification.
In a related communication dated June 19, to the St. Andrews Group of Schools and Companies, where Asiedu serves as CEO, the Council further noted that the use of an honorary title was “potentially misleading.”
YEN.com.gh checks indicate that as of July 9, he was still being advertised as a professor despite the warning in June.
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission has, in the past, expressed concern that the use of unverified academic titles is misleading and erodes public trust.
What is the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission?
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing all tertiary (post-secondary) education institutions in Ghana, including universities, technical universities, colleges of education, and other accredited institutions.
It was established on August 21, 2020, by an Act of Parliament following the merger of the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) and the National Accreditation Board.
Previous action by Ghana Tertiary Education Commission
In a similar case, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission issued a strong warning to Rashid Tanko-Computer, the National Democratic Congress Deputy Director of Elections, to immediately stop using the academic title "Dr' amid allegations of falsified academic credentials.
The commission wrote to Tanko asking him to stop using the title.
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission also held that the politician does not possess any recognised doctoral degree from an accredited institution.
Tanko had earlier claimed that he obtained a PhD from a Kingsnow University.
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission also warned businessman and politician Hassan Ayariga to stop using the academic title “Dr.”
This followed his failure to provide evidence verifying the legitimacy of the designation.
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In a statement, the commission said it had requested documentation clarifying the basis for Ayariga's use of the title.
It wanted information on whether the doctorate was earned or honorary, the name of the awarding institution, among others.
“To date, the commission has not received any response from you. This continued silence is unacceptable."
How did Ayariga respond?
Ayariga subsequently threatened to sue the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) over a directive to stop using his Doctorate title.
He said he considered the action by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission to be defamation of his character.
"Since they (GTEC) have failed to follow due process, I will use legal action to sue and correct them for defamation of character."
Mahama sacks Ambulance Service CEO Dr. Nuhu Zakaria
President John Mahama dismissed Dr. Nuhu Zakariah as Chief Executive Officer of the National Ambulance Service.
Zakariah's sacking followed growing concerns over his alleged misuse of an academic title.
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission publicly directed him to stop referring to himself as “Professor,” a title the Commission stated that he had not legitimately earned.
Mahama withdraws Anne Sansa Daly's appointment
YEN.com.gh reported that Anne-Sansa Daly's appointment as a member of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) board was revoked.
The revocation was communicated via a letter from the Presidency to the Minister of Health, dated May 23, 2025.
President John Mahama, in the letter, appointed another person to replace Daly, whose appointment courted controversy over questions revolving around the authenticity of her qualifications as a medical practitioner.
Source: YEN.com.gh
