GTEC writes to Tanko-Computer about ‘unearned’ PhD and requests he ceases using ‘Doctor’ title
A source at the office of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communication (GIFEC), where Sofo Rashid Tanko-Computer works as the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), has confirmed to Graphic Online that they have received a letter from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) directing Sofo Rashid Tanko-Computer to "cease" using the doctor title.
A source at the office of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communication (GIFEC), where Sofo Rashid Tanko-Computer works as the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), has confirmed to Graphic Online that they have received a letter from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) directing Sofo Rashid Tanko-Computer to “cease” using the doctor title.
According to the source, the GTEC letter dated June 3, 2025, indicated that the said PhD Tanko-Computer claims to have earned in 2016 from Kingsnow University was “unearned.”
GTEC has therefore requested that he cease using the title “Doctor” and remove it from all official documents and platforms.
Additionally, GTEC has asked Tanko-Computer to submit verifiable evidence that the title has been removed from all relevant platforms, including but not limited to official documents, institutional profiles, websites, letterheads, and any other public or professional representations.
The commission’s letter indicated that it was expecting his full cooperation in the matter and was looking forward to receiving confirmation of compliance at his earliest convenience.
Already, GTEC in a May 30, 2025, notice, issued a warning about the recent increased misuse of titles such as “Doctor” and “Professor” by individuals without recognised qualifications.
The Commission reiterated its earlier caution against the use of especially honorary academic titles, particularly emphasising the need for public compliance.
The directive, GTEC stated, was especially aimed at politicians, business people, and other public figures who often incorporate honorary titles into their official communications and public engagements.
The Commission described the practice as deceitful and unethical, stressing that it undermines the credibility of the higher education system and devalues the significance of earned doctoral degrees and academic promotions.
GTEC further announced that it will begin naming and shaming individuals who flout the directive and will pursue legal action against repeat offenders.
The Commission urged all stakeholders to support efforts to preserve the integrity and standards of Ghana’s tertiary education landscape.
According to GTEC, such misuse contravenes the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023) and damages public confidence in the country’s educational system.
The commission stressed that only accredited institutions are permitted to award honorary degrees, and recipients should not present them as academic qualifications.
GTEC’s letter to Tanko-Computer on use of “Doctor” title
In the Tanko-Computer issue, Tanko-Computer himself has clarified on a number of occasions in social media and mainstream interviews that it was not an honorary PhD and that it was doctorate degree conferred on him by the Kingsnow University.
In two separate media interviews recently, he dismissed calls by critics and said he did not need to prove anything to anybody.
GTEC writes to Tanko-Computer about ‘unearned’ PhD and requests he ceases using ‘Doctor’ title
A source at the office of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communication (GIFEC), where Sofo Rashid Tanko-Computer works as the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), has confirmed to Graphic Online that they have received a letter from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) directing Sofo Rashid Tanko-Computer to “cease” using the doctor title.
According to the source, the GTEC letter dated June 3, 2025, indicated that the said PhD Tanko-Computer claims to have earned in 2016 from Kingsnow University was “unearned.”
GTEC has therefore requested that he cease using the title “Doctor” and remove it from all official documents and platforms.
Additionally, GTEC has asked Tanko-Computer to submit verifiable evidence that the title has been removed from all relevant platforms, including but not limited to official documents, institutional profiles, websites, letterheads, and any other public or professional representations.
The commission’s letter indicated that it was expecting his full cooperation in the matter and was looking forward to receiving confirmation of compliance at his earliest convenience.
Already, GTEC in a May 30, 2025, notice, issued a warning about the recent increased misuse of titles such as “Doctor” and “Professor” by individuals without recognised qualifications.
The Commission reiterated its earlier caution against the use of especially honorary academic titles, particularly emphasising the need for public compliance.
The directive, GTEC stated, was especially aimed at politicians, business people, and other public figures who often incorporate honorary titles into their official communications and public engagements.
The Commission described the practice as deceitful and unethical, stressing that it undermines the credibility of the higher education system and devalues the significance of earned doctoral degrees and academic promotions.
GTEC further announced that it will begin naming and shaming individuals who flout the directive and will pursue legal action against repeat offenders.
The Commission urged all stakeholders to support efforts to preserve the integrity and standards of Ghana’s tertiary education landscape.
According to GTEC, such misuse contravenes the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023) and damages public confidence in the country’s educational system.
The commission stressed that only accredited institutions are permitted to award honorary degrees, and recipients should not present them as academic qualifications.
Read Also: GTEC to name, shame and take legal action against politicians on usage of honorary doctorate titles
GTEC’s letter to Tanko-Computer on use of “Doctor” title
In the Tanko-Computer issue, Tanko-Computer himself has clarified on a number of occasions in social media and mainstream interviews that it was not an honorary PhD and that it was doctorate degree conferred on him by the Kingsnow University.
In two separate media interviews recently, he dismissed calls by critics and said he did not need to prove anything to anybody.
He reiterated that Kingsnow University conferred the Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration degree on him and that it was an online programme he pursued between 2012 and 2016.
When he appeared on Joy Prime’s television morning show today [June 11] he described those questioning his credentials as “foolish” and undeserving of his time.
He was responding to comments made on social media that challenged the legitimacy of his academic qualifications in the television interview.
Source: Graphic Online
