The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has called on the Acting Coordinating Director of the Juaben Municipal Assembly in the Ashanti Region ‘Dr’ Stephen Lurimuah to prove his academic title of ‘Dr’, or stop using it.
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has taken note of your continued use of the academic title “Dr.”, specifically referring to yourself as Dr. Stephen Lurimuah, the Commission wrote in a letter dated 11th November, 2025 directed to the Acting Coordinating Director of the Juaben Municipal Assembly. It was titled ‘Request for Documentary Evidence of Academic Title (Dr.)’. It was signed by Mrs. Anita A. Nanfuri, Director Administration and HR on behalf of the Director-General.
The Commission formally requested the Acting Coordinating Director to submit official documentary evidence confirming the acquisition of a terminal degree from a recognized institution, either locally or internationally.
“For the avoidance of doubt, GTEC takes serious exception to the inappropriate use of academic titles that have not been duly earned or conferred by accredited academic institutions. The unauthorized use of such titles-particularly where they lack formal academic validation-is considered misleading and contrary the established protocols and academic standards governing the conferment and usage of academic ranks in Ghana..
“In light of the above, you are requested to submit the following information and documentation:
“Clarification regarding the use of the title “Dr.”, specifically:
“The name of the awarding institution
“Whether the degree is earned or honorary
“The date of conferment,
“Should you be unable to provide the required documentation, you will be expected-without delay-to cease the use of the title “Dr.” and to provide verifiable evidence that the title has been withdrawn from all relevant platforms, including but not limited to:
“Official documents
“Institutional profiles
“Websites
“Letterheads
“Any other public or professional representations,
“This directive is being communicated to your employer, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, through its Chief Director for the necessary enforcement actions,” the letter stated.
It was copied to the Chief Director, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development-Accra.
Last week, the Daily Searchlight spoke to the Acting Coordinating Director on the letter. As at press time, he had not provided certain documentation he had agreed to provide in defence of the academic claims.
