In a major move to sanitize the public sector’s academic integrity, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has ramped up its campaign against unearned academic titles. The latest high-profile case involves Alfred Attuquaye Botchway, a bank director recently referred to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) for investigation regarding the legitimacy of his “Professor” and “Dr.” titles.
For students and professionals in Ghana, this development serves as a critical wake-up call: verification and accreditation are not optional—they are essential.
The Case Against Unearned Titles
According to a report by Graphic Online, GTEC officially requested the Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana to suspend Mr. Botchway from his role as an Independent Executive Director of a state-owned commercial bank.
The controversy centers on credentials obtained from the Universidad Empresarial de Costa Rica (UNEM). GTEC’s investigation revealed that Mr. Botchway was using the titles “Professor” and “Doctor” based on certificates from this institution—credentials that GTEC has declared unearned and unrecognized.
The KNUST Connection and Accreditation Issues
One of the most significant red flags raised by GTEC was the claim that the PhD program began at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and was completed at UNEM.
Upon verification, KNUST clarified the following:
- Mr. Botchway was enrolled in an Executive PhD program in 2006, but the program was truncated due to accreditation issues.
- KNUST has no affiliation, partnership, or joint degree arrangement with the Universidad Empresarial de Costa Rica.
- Transferring credits from an unaccredited, truncated program at KNUST to UNEM is considered irregular and invalid.
Furthermore, GTEC noted that UNEM is not accredited in Costa Rica to award doctoral degrees in business administration, rendering the qualification void in the eyes of Ghanaian regulators.
“Professor” is a Rank, Not a Degree
A crucial learning point for many professionals is the distinction between an academic degree and an academic rank.
In its letter to the NIB, GTEC emphasized that “Professor” is an academic rank achieved through tenure-track teaching, research, and progression (e.g., Lecturer → Senior Lecturer → Associate Professor → Professor). It is not a certificate that can be simply awarded by a university without the requisite academic workload.
GTEC highlighted that Mr. Botchway’s CV showed experience primarily in corporate environments, with no evidence of the academic progression required to legitimately hold the title of a full professor.
The Risks of “Degree Mills”
This incident highlights the dangers of obtaining degrees from institutions that lack proper accreditation or offer “fast-track” titles that do not meet global standards. The consequences of using such credentials include:
- reputational damage and public embarrassment.
- Loss of employment and board appointments.
- Legal investigations by bodies like the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).
How to Protect Your Future
At Ghana Edu Consult, we understand the pressure to advance your education and career. However, shortcuts can lead to career-ending disasters.
Before enrolling in any international university or online program, it is vital to verify:
- Institutional Accreditation: Is the university recognized by the accreditation body of its home country?
- Local Recognition: Does GTEC recognize the institution and the specific program in Ghana?
- Program Validity: Are the transfer credits and partnerships legitimate?
Let Us Guide You
Don’t gamble with your career. At Ghana Edu Consult, we specialize in connecting Ghanaian students and professionals with globally recognized, fully accredited universities. Whether you are looking for a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program, we ensure that your hard work results in a qualification that stands the test of scrutiny.
Contact us today to start your genuine academic journey.
Source Reference: Information regarding the GTEC investigation and Mr. Botchway’s credentials was originally reported by Graphic Online.
