Fake Academic Certificates Threaten Ghana’s Academic Integrity – GAP-F

The Ghana Academic Professional Forum (GAP-F) has raised red flags over what it describes as a disturbing influx of fake academic certificates and unearned titles among political appointees under the current administration, calling it a growing threat to the credibility of Ghana’s educational and governance systems.

Speaking at the GAP-F’s official unveiling and maiden press briefing held at the Ghana International Press Centre on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, Mohammed Tawfik Adamu, a lecturer at the Department of Communication Studies, University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), warned that the phenomenon, if not curtailed, risks irreparable damage to the nation’s academic reputation and professional standards.

“In recent months, we have been startled by the alarming rate in cases of fake certificates and titles within the political class — particularly under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama,” Mr. Adamu stated. “This is a matter we cannot ignore, for it poses a significant threat to the credibility of our higher education institutions.”

The forum, convened by GAP-F — a think tank dedicated to upholding academic excellence and integrity — sought to draw national attention to what it terms the “fake certificate crisis” and its potential to undermine both public trust and institutional effectiveness.

Mr. Adamu decried the use of unearned academic titles such as “Doctor” by individuals within government, describing it as a blatant insult to genuine scholars and professionals who have toiled for their qualifications.

He cited specific examples, including the controversial appointment of Sansa Dalay to the board of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), which was reportedly reversed after it emerged that her academic credentials could not be substantiated. He also referenced the case of Rashid Tanko Computer, suggesting that it is “just the tip of the iceberg.”

“These incidents are not isolated,” Mr. Adamu cautioned. “The list is growing, and we will unveil additional cases in the days ahead.”

He lamented the silence of key national leaders including the President, Vice President, and Speaker of Parliament despite evidence that some appointees have been requested by Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to verify their academic claims or cease the use of questionable titles.

“We commend GTEC for stepping up, but we are deeply disturbed by the silence from the highest offices of the land,” Mr. Adamu added. “Do they not appreciate the danger this poses to our institutions and the credibility of our country?”

He argued that the appointment of unqualified individuals into sensitive positions not only devalues the academic efforts of hardworking Ghanaians but also compromises the quality of policy development and public service delivery.

“When individuals who cut corners are rewarded with positions of authority, it tilts the playing field and breaks the moral spine of our nation,” he asserted.

Mr. Adamu urged President Mahama to take decisive action by immediately relieving all implicated individuals of their positions and ensuring their arrest and prosecution.

“We call on the President to act swiftly. This is not just a scandal — it is an embarrassment,” he declared.

Multi-pronged strategy

To tackle the crisis, GAP-F outlined a multi-pronged strategy that a mandatory verification of academic credentials with awarding institutions prior to public appointments. GAP-F also called for digital systems for validating educational qualifications in real-time;

It called for rough legal penalties for those found guilty of using forged certificates, and public education campaigns on the dangers of fraudulent credentials and the importance of merit-based advancement.

The Forum further called for unity among stakeholders — academic institutions, professional associations, civil society, and the media — to safeguard the integrity of Ghana’s education sector and restore public confidence in leadership.

“Together, we must protect the value of our academic qualifications and ensure our leaders are truly worthy of the positions they occupy,” Mr. Adamu emphasized.

The Ghana Academic Professional Forum reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring developments closely and sustaining pressure on state authorities to uphold transparency, meritocracy, and academic integrity in the interest of Ghana’s long-term development.