Sofo Rashid Tanko-Computer, acting CEO of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communication (GIFEC), and deputy director of elections for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has been directed by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to cease using the title “Doctor” due to questions surrounding the legitimacy of his PhD. Tanko-Computer claims to have earned the degree in Public Administration in 2016 from Kingsnow University, an institution whose credibility has been called into question. GTEC has demanded proof that the title has been removed from all official platforms, including documents, websites, and social media profiles. This directive follows a broader warning issued by GTEC against the misuse of academic titles, particularly by public figures.
Tanko-Computer has publicly defended his credentials, asserting that his PhD is legitimate and was earned through an online program at Kingsnow University. He has dismissed criticisms as the work of “foolish people” and has maintained that he doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone. He further emphasizes his extensive academic background, including two Master’s degrees from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Education, Winneba, suggesting his critics are simply envious or malicious. He considers focusing on his work and students more important than addressing online detractors.
The GTEC’s letter to Tanko-Computer explicitly states that the continued use of the title “Doctor” is misleading and violates established academic protocols in Ghana, regardless of whether the degree was conferred by a domestic or foreign institution. The Commission’s concern centers on the lack of formal academic validation for the claimed degree. The seriousness of the matter is underscored by the demand for verifiable evidence of compliance, including removal of the title from all public representations.
GTEC’s broader concern over the misuse of academic titles underscores the potential damage to the credibility of the Ghanaian higher education system. The practice, often seen among public figures seeking to enhance their status, devalues legitimately earned degrees and undermines public trust. GTEC has pledged to take more stringent actions, including publicly naming and shaming offenders and pursuing legal recourse against persistent violations. This stance reflects a commitment to upholding the integrity of Ghana’s academic landscape. This broader action against the misuse of titles reinforces the importance of verifying and validating academic credentials.
Investigation into Kingsnow University reveals a limited online presence, primarily a recently created WordPress blog, raising further questions about its legitimacy as a degree-granting institution. The blog describes Kingsnow as an online university offering accredited degrees and certifications in a wide range of disciplines. It emphasizes a flexible learning environment, access to a vast database of academic resources, and integration of technology into the learning experience. However, this information, presented without substantiating evidence or accreditation details, does little to dispel concerns about the institution’s authenticity.
The controversy surrounding Tanko-Computer’s PhD highlights the growing issue of unaccredited institutions and the potential for the fraudulent use of academic titles. The incident, combined with GTEC’s proactive measures, underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in higher education and the need for robust mechanisms to verify credentials and protect the integrity of academic qualifications. Tanko-Computer’s dismissive attitude towards the investigation further complicates the matter and could potentially lead to more severe repercussions from the GTEC. This situation serves as a cautionary tale for both individuals considering online education programs and institutions offering such programs, emphasizing the crucial need for thorough due diligence and verification of accreditation.
