The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has directed the Medical Superintendent of the Wa Municipal Hospital in the Upper West Region, Bukari Zakari, to provide documentary evidence to justify his use of the academic title “Dr.”

In a letter addressed to Mr Zakari, GTEC stated that a review of his academic records suggested he may have obtained a PhD from the Atlantic International University (AIU) in the United States, an institution that is not accredited by any recognised authority in its home country.

“Please be informed that Atlantic International University is not accredited by a recognised accrediting body or legal authority in its home country, the United States of America. Consequently, any academic qualification awarded by AIU is not recognised by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission,” the letter read.

GTEC has therefore requested that Mr Zakari submit the following documents for verification: the full name of the awarding institution, a copy of the relevant degree certificate, and a copy of the official academic transcript.

The Commission further warned that failure to provide the required documentation would compel him to cease using the title “Dr.” in all official and professional contexts, including letterheads, websites, institutional profiles, and other public materials.

The directive, signed by Professor Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, Director-General of GTEC, has also been copied to the Ministry of Health, through its Chief Director, for enforcement action.

GTEC instructed that all documents or confirmation of title withdrawal must be submitted no later than October 24, 2025, stressing that the matter should be treated with “utmost urgency and importance.”

The move forms part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to verify academic and professional titles used in public institutions and to ensure that all qualifications reflect authentic and accredited academic achievements.

Read the full letter below;

REQUEST FOR DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE OF ACADEMIC TITLE (DR./DR.)

We refer to your recent engagement with a representative of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), held on behalf of the Director-General, during which preliminary discussions were conducted regarding your current use of the academic titles “Dr./Dr.”

Following an initial review of your academic qualifications, it has come to the attention of the Commission that you may have obtained a PhD from Atlantic International University (AIU), USA.

Please be informed that Atlantic International University is not accredited by a recognised accrediting body or legal authority in its home country, the United States of America. Consequently, any academic qualification awarded by AIU is not recognised by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).

In light of this, you are hereby directed to cease using the title unless it is the case that you have a Doctorate from another accredited institution, of which you MUST submit the following to the Commission:
✓ The full name of the awarding institution;
✓ A copy of the relevant degree certificate(s);
✓ A copy of the official academic transcript(s).

Should you be unable to provide the required documentation, you are expected to immediately cease the use of the title “Dr.” in all forms and representations, and submit verifiable evidence confirming its removal from all relevant platforms, including but not limited to:

Official documents; Institutional or professional profiles; Websites and digital platforms; Letterheads; Any other public or professional materials.

This directive is being communicated to your employer — the Ministry of Health — through the Chief Director (copied herein) for appropriate enforcement action.

The Commission expects your full cooperation in this matter.

Kindly ensure that all requested documentation — or confirmation of title withdrawal — is submitted not later than 24th October, 2025.

Please treat this matter with the utmost urgency and importance.

Yours faithfully, (Signature)

PROF. AHMED JINAPOR ABDULAI

DIRECTOR-GENERAL GTEC