The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has asked the Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana to immediately suspend Alfred Attuquaye Botchway as a board member of a state-owned commercial bank, following concerns over his use of unearned academic titles.

This comes as GTEC formally refers to Mr Botchway’s academic credentials, obtained from the Universidad Empresarial de Costa Rica (UNEM), to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) for a full probe.

In a letter dated November 20, 2025, GTEC said it has become increasingly alarmed by the growing number of public officials presenting unearned academic titles and certificates for appointments and promotions. The commission believes the trend poses a threat to the integrity of Ghana’s public sector and higher education system.

Mr Botchway, who has been using the titles “Professor” and “Dr.” interchangeably, was unable to provide satisfactory documentation when GTEC requested evidence to support the qualifications listed on his CV. The commission has since directed him to desist from using both titles.

GTEC: Honorary or unearned titles must not appear in official documents

According to GTEC, the inappropriate use of honorary or unearned academic titles “undermines the credibility of academic institutions and compromises the integrity of Ghana’s higher education system.”

A review of Mr Botchway’s documents revealed that he submitted a certificate claiming to be a “Full Professor in Strategic Networking” from UNEM.

He also presented a “Doctor of Philosophy in Strategic Financial Management,” similarly awarded by UNEM.

UNEM’s qualifications are not recognised by GTEC.

UNEM has no affiliation or academic partnership with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

There is no evidence Mr. Botchway has ever held a teaching appointment or risen through any academic ranks required to attain professorship.

A fellowship awarded in July 2018 by the Institute of Labour & Industrial Relations in the USA appears to be the only document referring to him as “Professor.”

KNUST disassociates from Botchway’s academic claims

Documents sighted show that KNUST confirmed the following:

Mr Botchway enrolled in an Executive PhD in Business Administration for about two years.

The programme was later truncated due to accreditation issues.

KNUST has no affiliation with UNEM and no joint doctoral programme with any Costa Rican institution.

Claims that his PhD began at KNUST and was completed at “the University of Costa Rica” are inaccurate, as the University of Costa Rica and UNEM are entirely different institutions.

GTEC highlights inconsistencies

In its referral to the NIB, GTEC states that Mr Botchway’s CV shows his primary professional experience between 2008 and 2012 was within corporate circles. His only teaching experience appears to be a brief part-time and visiting lecturer role at the Pan African Christian University in Winneba in 2008.

Part-time teaching, GTEC notes, cannot form the basis for claiming professorial rank.

The commission also expressed concern about several unverified professional certifications listed by Mr Botchway, such as FEIFD, FCICT, MIOD, FCPFM and others, which he has yet to provide evidence for.

NIB steps in; suspension recommended

GTEC has asked the NIB to investigate the circumstances under which Mr Botchway obtained the two UNEM certificates. It insists further investigations are necessary due to the sensitive position he occupies as an Executive Director of the state-owned commercial bank.

“Should he be found culpable, appropriate legal action should be pursued,” GTEC told the NIB.

The letter has been copied to the Minister of Finance, Minister of Education, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, the Managing Director of the bank involved, and Mr Botchway himself.