GIFEC boss Tanko-Computer defends PhD, denies certificate from Kingsnow University is fake [VIDEO]

Sofo Rashid Tanko-Computer, the acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communication (GIFEC), has denied suggestions that this PhD from Kingsnow University is fake.

 He described those questioning his credentials as “foolish” and undeserving of his time.

He was responding o comments made on social media that challenged the legitimacy of his academic qualifications in a television interview with Joy News on Wednesday morning [June 11]. WATCH THE ATTACHED VIDEO BELOW

Tanko-Computer addressed the matter during an appearance on Joy Prime’s morning show.

Read also: Sofo Rashid Tanko-Computer takes office as Acting CEO of GIFEC

Concerns over unverified academic titles have drawn national attention in recent months.

On April 7, 2025, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) issued a warning about the misuse of titles such as “Doctor” and “Professor” by individuals without recognised qualifications.

Tanko-Computer first announced his links to Kingsnow University on December 11, 2016 on Facebook where he said he had obtained a PhD from that university.

He wrote:

Comrades, today I have mixed feelings:

1. "We just lost a crucial elections which has taken a toll on me. Still figuring out what really went wrong.. Emotionally disturbed. 

2. "Kingsnow University has conferred on Tanko Rashid the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration and all the rights and privileges thereunto appertaining. In witness therefore, this degree duly signed has been issued and the Seal of the University affixed. Presented on the first day of September, two thousand and sixteen.
   
   Alhamdulilah, Allah is great."
   
   I thank my family and Prof Alex for the support that got me this far. It shall be well with us. Shehamforash!

Kingsnow University and the online information about the university online

The Kingsnow University referred to by Sofo Rashid Tanko-Computer which he said offered the PhD programme through online, has a web presence as a blog on wordpress.com as Kingsnowuniversity.wordpress.com, a domain which gained web presence just recently when discussions about the credibility of that university deepened.

This is how the one page blog as of Wednesday June 11, 2025 describes the university:

The Kingsnow University online degree program is designed to provide its students with opportunities to improve their learning style. The university has marked its position as one of the most prestigious universities that offer accredited online degrees and certifications. It has a revised and updated curriculum that suits the needs of all its students. Not only has it earned a strong reputation among others in the field, but also have excelled in providing ease and convenience for those who seek it. It has diversified range of disciplines and subjects that covers almost all the professional fields and markets.

The fundamental mission of Kingsnow University is to accumulate the subject of interest, and provide its students with degrees that would help them achieve their respective professional goals. It builds an extensive and intensive framework of networking that allows its students to interact and engage themselves in different activities and practices. Such activities boost their level of confidence as well the knowledge about related subjects.  The network also includes interactive conversations of enrolled students with experienced professionals, who are available to guide them at every hour on the clock.

The university is known to have set high standards of education in order to maintain international competitiveness. The primary focus of Kingsnow University is to provide academic excellence to its students without having them face any hassle. It facilitates them with online courses that they can access anytime they feel like and get themselves educated about the subjects they are interested in.  It strongly believes in the power of technology and the industrial revolution in terms of e-learning, academics and educational institutes. The university has fully integrated the technology into their core learning experience.

Each student of Kingsnow University has access to the vast database maintained by the professionals, where they can find relevant academic literature and evident resources to support their research. In addition to this, Kingsnow University accumulates all mediums of technology in order to provide a learning experience that none could compete with.  It is spread across different forms of technology including websites, mobile app, electronic database and 24/7 functional online portal for consultancy. The university also encourages its student to implement the theories their study into practical situations, and raise queries if they face any difficulties. The purpose of such activity is to make them comfortable with different situations that may rise in any working environment.

Read also: GTEC to name, shame and take legal action against politicians on usage of honorary doctorate titles

According to GTEC, such misuse contravenes the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023) and damages public confidence in the country’s educational system.

The commission stressed that only accredited institutions are permitted to award honorary degrees, and recipients should not present them as academic qualifications.

Tanko Computer, a public administrator and the deputy director of elections of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), dismissed the claims against him. “I don’t respond to such claims because I don’t engage with foolish people,” he said.

He explained that he obtained his doctorate in Public Administration through an online programme at Kingsnow University, which he began in 2012 and completed in 2016.

“My PhD from Kinsnow University is legitimate, and I’m proud of it,” he stated. He urged Ghanaians to judge his qualifications based on their merit, rather than what he described as unfounded accusations.

Mr Tanko holds two MSc degrees, in Criminal Justice and Public Administration, from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Education, Winneba.

He said that giving attention to his detractors only fuels unnecessary controversy. “In Ghana, we must call a spade a spade, not a long spoon,” he said, adding that his priorities remain with his work and students, not online critics.

His appointment as acting CEO of GIFEC by President John Dramani Mahama on February 14, 2025, has drawn both support and scrutiny.

His background includes roles such as Deputy National Director of Elections and IT for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Northern Regional Director of the Youth Employment Agency, and lecturer at Tamale Technical University and Tamale College of Education.

GIFEC boss Tanko Computer defends PhD, denies certificate from Kingsnow University is fake [VIDEO] https://t.co/tEVm0gCF0p pic.twitter.com/7e46YxS8wQ

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Writer's email: enoch.frimpong@graphic.com.gh 

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