The People’s National Party (PNP) has formally petitioned the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to conduct a comprehensive audit of the educational credentials of all individuals appointed under the John Mahama administration, spanning from diplomas and bachelor’s degrees to master’s and PhD qualifications.
The call, outlined in an official statement signed by PNP National Chairperson and Leader, Janet Asana Nabla, highlights growing concerns over the increasing prevalence of fake academic certificates in Ghana’s public institutions.
“I write to formally call on the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to initiate a thorough and transparent investigation into the authenticity of educational documents submitted by all individuals appointed under the Mahama administration,” the statement read. “This should not be limited to PhD holders, but must extend to persons with Diplomas, Bachelor’s degrees, and Master’s degrees as well.”
The PNP further urged that the credential verification exercise should not be limited to political appointees but should also include all public sector employees, especially those who obtained their qualifications from foreign institutions.
“The widespread use of fake certificates not only undermines the integrity of our educational system but also erodes public trust in governance and the credibility of our institutions,” the statement emphasized.
This move comes amid national debates over qualification fraud and fake university degrees in Ghana, prompting calls for stronger verification frameworks across the public service.
To prevent future cases of academic fraud in Ghana, the PNP recommends that GTEC develop and maintain a secure online database containing verified certificates issued by accredited institutions in and outside Ghana. This system would enable employers in both the public and private sectors to confirm academic credentials before making appointments.
“We strongly recommend that GTEC develops and maintains a secure and accessible online database containing information on all legitimate certificates issued by accredited institutions in Ghana,” the PNP proposed.
In its proposal, the PNP suggests that GTEC secure independent and sustainable funding through the introduction of a mandatory ‘GTEC Monitoring and Evaluation Fee’ to be paid by all students entering tertiary institutions. This fee, according to the party, would support the continuous monitoring, verification, and assessment of academic qualifications.
“The PNP proposes that GTEC secures independent and sustainable funding by introducing a mandatory fee to be paid by all students entering tertiary institutions. This ‘GTEC Monitoring and Evaluation Fee’ will support the ongoing verification, monitoring, and assessment of academic certificates,” the statement added.
The PNP’s call is seen as a significant step in promoting transparency in Ghana’s public service, ensuring academic integrity, and restoring public confidence in both governance and the higher education system.
Source: A1RadioOnline.com | 101.1 MHz | David Azure, Bolgatanga
