There is an increasing number of public officers presenting unearned academic titles and certificates for appointment, promotion, or certification in the public sector in Ghana in recent times.

The trend, according to sources, has increased in recent times, with many officers presenting either fake certificates or certificates from unrecognised institutions and gaining promotions or appointments with them.

To help significantly curb the use of such fake and unearned academic qualifications in the public sector and promote transparency and merit-based appointments, the Public Services Commission and the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) are teaming up on that effort.

Considering the developments, and in line with the mandate of GTEC to safeguard the integrity of tertiary education in Ghana, the Commission has requested that the Public Services Commission direct all public officers seeking appointment, certification, or promotion to submit at least their highest academic certificate to GTEC for evaluation and authentication as part of the appointment and promotion procedures in the public sector.

The cooperation in that regard is to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and to help maintain the integrity and credibility of public service appointments.

GTEC, in a letter dated October 24, 2025, addressed to the Chairman of the Public Services Commission, also indicated that it has observed an increasing number of public officers presenting unearned academic titles and certificates for the purposes of appointment, promotion, or certification.