NDC bigwig in trouble: GTEC threatens to sue Richard Kofi Asiedu over unearned ‘Professor’ title
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has issued a warning to Richard Kofi Asiedu, the Central Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), over his continued unauthorised use of the honorary title “Professor.”
In a letter dated July 28, 2024, seen by Graphic Online, GTEC accused Mr. Asiedu of defying its earlier directives to cease the practice, describing it as “unethical” and a violation of national law.
The Commission revealed that it had earlier written to Mr. Asiedu on June 2, 2025, demanding proof of the removal of the title from all official records, including institutional profiles, websites, and letterheads.
He was also instructed to submit his highest academic qualification for verification.
However, GTEC noted with “deep concern” that Mr. Asiedu has persisted in using the title, as evidenced by a recent EELL 2025 Conference promotional poster, where he was billed as “Prof. Richard Kofi Asiedu.”
Citing Section 8(4)(d) of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1023), GTEC emphasised its mandate to regulate the use of academic titles, including “Professor,” and warned that failure to comply could lead to legal action.
The letter, signed by Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, Director-General of GTEC, urged the NDC’s National Chairman to intervene, stating: “The Commission respectfully appeals to you to ensure that Mr. Asiedu complies fully with the directives issued. Should he persist, the Commission may be compelled to initiate legal proceedings.”
GTEC clarified that its action was not politically motivated but aimed at upholding the integrity of academic titles. The letter was copied to the Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, the NDC’s General Secretary, and Mr. Asiedu himself.
In a related communication dated June 19, 2025 to the St. Andrews Group of Schools and Companies, where Mr. Asiedu serves as CEO, GTEC reiterated that while it did not dispute the honorary titles awarded to him by institutions like Alfred Nobel University in Ukraine, their use without formal academic validation was “potentially misleading.” The Commission directed him to “purge himself” of the title by July 31, 2025, or face legal consequences.
Mr. Asiedu’s profile on the EELL 2025 conference poster describes him as a “distinguished Ghanaian scholar” with “a number of earned doctorates,” but GTEC maintains that such claims require scrutiny under Section 7(i) of Act 1023, which empowers it to verify certificates and degrees.
On July 28, 2025 GTEC wrote to the National Chairman of the NDC on Richard Kofi Asiedu's use of the unearned title
Below is a copy of that letter
USE OF THE HONORARY "PROFESSOR" BY MR. RICHARD KOFI ASIEDU
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) respectfully brings to your attention a matter of significant concern regarding the continued misuse of an academic title by Mr. Richard Kofi Asiedu, the Central Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Given his position and stature, the Commission had expected Mr. Asiedu to exhibit full compliance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
By a letter dated 2nd June, 2025 (copy attached), the Commission formally conveyed its disapproval of Mr. Asiedu's persistent use of the honorary title "Professor," which he has not legitimately earned. He was explicitly directed to cease the use of this title and was further instructed to submit verifiable proof that it had been removed from all official records, including institutional profiles, websites, letterheads, and any other public platforms. Additionally, he was requested to provide documentation of his highest academic qualification for evaluation and verification purposes.
Regrettably, the Commission has observed with deep concern that Mr. Asiedu has not complied with these directives. On the contrary, he continues to publicly present himself as "Professor," as evidenced in the attached promotional poster. This act is viewed by the Commission as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.
Such conduct is not only unethical but constitutes a violation of Section 8(4)(d) of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1023), which mandates the Commission to regulate the use of higher education nomenclature and titles, including but not limited to "University," "College," "Emeritus," "Professor," "Doctor," and "Chartered."
In your capacity as National Chairman of the party, whose influence and guidance are widely respected, the Commission respectfully appeals to you to intervene and ensure that Mr. Asiedu complies fully with the directives issued. Should he persist in using the "Professor" title unlawfully, the Commission may be compelled to initiate legal proceedings in accordance with its regulatory mandate.
We wish to emphasize that this communication is in no way politically motivated, nor is it intended to discredit Mr. Asiedu or the National Democratic Congress. Rather, it stems from the Commission's statutory responsibility to uphold the integrity of academic titles and protect the public from misinformation.
The Commission looks forward to your support in upholding these standards and ensuring compliance with the law.
Below is a copy of the letter dated June 19, 2025 which GTEC first wrote to Richard Kofi Asiedu
RE: USE OF HONORARY PROFESSORIAL TITLE
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has sighted a press release from the Management of the St. Andrews Group of Schools and Companies regarding the honorary professorial title of Mr. Richard Kofi Asiedu.
The press release outlined a number of things including the fact that the institutions that awarded the honorary titles to Mr. Asiedu were accredited. To provide further clarity to the issue, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has not at any time doubted the fact that Mr. Asied has indeed been awarded those honorary titles. The concern of the Commission is, however, on the use of the titles. Our letter no. AC81/0/01 dated 3** June, 2025 on the above subject was very clear and explicit on that and stated categorically that where there is lack of formal academic validation, use of the honorary title was potentially misleading.
Please be informed that, by Section 7(i) of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), the regulatory functions of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) include, but not limited to, verifying the authenticity of all certificates, diplomas and degrees upon request. Again, Section 8(4e) of the same Act states that the Commission shall recognise and determine equivalences of degrees, diplomas and certificates conferred or awarded by foreign universities and institutions, of which Alfred Nobel University in Dnipro, Ukraine, is included in accordance with standards and guidelines
SET by the Commission.
For avoidance of doubt, our letter, referenced above (copy attached), still holds. Mr. Asiedu should therefore not ascribe to himself any rights and privileges assigned to a Professor and must purge himself of same and provide evidence to the Commission on or before 31st July, 2025.
This includes withdrawing the title from all relevant platforms, including but not limited to official documents, institutional profiles, website, letterheads and any other public or professional representations.
Failure of Mr. Asiedu to heed to the above directive shall force the Commission to initiate legal action against him. Please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned should you require further clarification or additional information.
