The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has issued a formal warning to Richard Kofi Asiedu, Central Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), for the continued use of the academic title “Professor” without proper academic credentials.
In a letter dated July 28, 2024, and addressed to the NDC National Chairman, GTEC expressed concern over Mr. Asiedu’s persistent use of the title despite earlier instructions to desist. The Commission referenced Section 8(4)(d) of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), which prohibits individuals from using academic titles unless they have earned them through recognised qualifications.
According to GTEC, Mr. Asiedu was first directed on June 2, 2025, to stop using the title “Professor” and to submit proof that it had been removed from all public materials. He was also asked to provide documentation of his highest academic qualifications. However, GTEC noted that these directives were disregarded.
The Commission cited continued misuse of the title, including on promotional materials for the 2025 EELL Conference, where Mr. Asiedu was described as “Prof. Richard Kofi Asiedu” and credited with “earned doctorates.”
In an earlier communication dated June 19, 2025, GTEC acknowledged that Mr. Asiedu had received honorary titles from accredited institutions, including the St. Andrews Group. However, the Commission emphasised that honorary degrees do not equate to formally earned academic ranks and cannot be used as substitutes without proper validation.
GTEC also invoked Sections 7(i) and 8(4)(e) of Act 1023, which grant it the authority to validate academic credentials, including foreign qualifications—such as those allegedly conferred by Alfred Nobel University in Ukraine.
Mr. Asiedu has been given a final deadline of July 31, 2025, to cease using the title “Professor” or face legal consequences. GTEC has also appealed to the NDC leadership to help resolve the issue amicably.
“GTEC has the statutory mandate to regulate the use of academic titles in Ghana. Non-compliance may attract legal sanctions,” the Commission stated.
This case is part of a broader crackdown by GTEC on the misuse of academic titles. In recent months, the Commission has issued similar directives to several public figures, including Rashid Tanko-Computer, CEO of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC); Dr. Joseph Obeng, President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA); and Desmond De-Graft Paitoo, Member of Parliament for Gomoa East.
