It has come to my attention that a letter allegedly from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) is currently circulating on social media regarding the use of my title, “Dr.”
Let me state clearly and categorically that I have not received any official correspondence from GTEC on this matter. As such, I consider the circulation of this letter if it is indeed genuine as highly unprofessional and premature.
I expect that institutions of such national relevance would adhere to due process and professional standards before making matters of this nature public.
My response to GTEC
GTEC
Accra, Ghana
Dear Francis.
I am deeply concerned by the manner in which your institution has handled this matter. It is quite surprising that a body which calls itself professional would issue a public statement without completing a thorough investigation or affording me the opportunity to respond adequately.
The decision to make such a premature and unverified assertion not only questions the credibility of your institution but also puts into doubt the fairness and professionalism with which you approach such sensitive matters.
I respectfully demand that you furnish me with all details of the investigations conducted, including the basis for your public communication. I further expect a retraction and clarification if this matter was indeed mishandled, as I believe it has been.
Former Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Mavis Hawa Koomson, has defended her use of pepper spray during the chaotic parliamentary rerun in the Ablekuma North Constituency last Friday, insisting it was an act of self-defence.
The election, held on Friday, July 11, descended into confusion after a group of unidentified men reportedly overpowered police officers at the St. Peter’s Methodist Church polling station and attacked several people, including the former Fisheries Minister.
Mavis Hawa Koomson
Viral videos captured the moment Hawa Koomson reached for a canister—later confirmed to be pepper spray—and deployed it as a group of men advanced toward her.
Speaking for the first time since the incident in an interview on Accra-based UTV on Tuesday, July 15, Hawa Koomson rejected claims that she went to the polling centre with the intention of causing mayhem.
“I was at the voting centre with my security, but the police insisted I enter alone, saying unauthorised persons were not allowed in. I did not go there to cause trouble,” she said.
She recounted that she was specifically targeted by individuals she recognized from Kasoa, alleging they were affiliated with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“As soon as the thugs entered, I identified two NDC guys from Kasoa. One of them shouted, ‘Where is Hawa Koomson?’ and they just pounced on me. So, the claims that I went there with ill intentions and carried pepper spray for that purpose are unfounded.”
The former MP maintained that her response was triggered by a perceived threat to her life.
“My son was stabbed during the voter registration exercise, so I know I’m a target for the NDC. When I saw the thugs walking toward me holding knives, I acted in self-defence.”Source:William Narh
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has directed the Founder and Presidential Candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga, to immediately cease using the academic title “Dr.” following his failure to provide evidence verifying the legitimacy of the designation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 15, the Commission stated that it had requested, on multiple occasions, documentation clarifying the basis for his use of the title. Specifically, GTEC sought information on whether the doctorate was earned or honorary, the name of the awarding institution, the date of conferment, and the process involved.
Hassan Ayariga
“To date, the Commission has not received any response from you. This continued silence is unacceptable,” the statement said.
According to the Commission, the use of unverified academic titles is misleading and undermines public confidence in Ghana’s academic system. It stressed that academic ranks must be awarded through formally recognised and rigorous processes consistent with national standards.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission hereby formally expresses its concern regarding the use of academic titles that have not been duly earned and conferred through a recognised academic process.
“The use of such titles, particularly when lacking formal academic validation, is misleading and inconsistent with the academic protocols and standards governing the conferment and use of academic ranks in Ghana,”GTEC stated.
As a result of the non-compliance, GTEC has ordered Mr. Ayariga to discontinue the use of the title “Dr.” and submit proof that it has been removed from all public and professional platforms. These include, but are not limited to:
The Ministry of Education has allocated an additional $117.1 million from the Ghana Accountability for learning outcomes (GALOP) and its second additional funding (AF2) project initiative to scale up targeted interventions in basic schools across the country.
The funding is expected to support a range of education-enhancing programmes, including teacher training, school grants, and performance-based incentives aimed at improving learning outcomes.
This was made known during the First meeting of the project oversight committee for the Ghana Accountability for learning outcomes project (GALOP) on Tuesday, July 15.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, who chairs the Project Oversight Committee, he emphasised the importance of deploying and monitoring every intervention effectively.
“GALOP AF2 provides an additional 117.1 million dollars to scale up targeted interventions in basic schools. We must ensure that every intervention from teacher training and school grants to performance-based incentives is effectively deployed and monitored.
Haruna Iddrisu
“As a committee, our effectiveness would be measured by the clarity of our direction, the quality of our oversight, and the responsiveness of our system to on-the-ground realities,” he stated.
The project has been funded by the World Bank, the Global Partnership for Education, among others. The meeting saw in attendance development partners, heads of implementing agencies, and members of the project oversight committee, which included the World Bank.
The Ministry also underscored the critical role of oversight and responsiveness in the implementation process. “Our effectiveness will be measured by the clarity of our direction, the quality of our oversight, and the responsiveness of our system to on-the-ground realities,” the official added.By:Kennedy Odame Twumasi
President John Dramani Mahama has, with immediate effect, cancelled the payment and allocation of fuel allowances to all political appointees as part of his administration’s ongoing efforts to reduce public expenditure.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, July 15, in an official statement from the presidency signed by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
According to the release, the directive is aimed at curbing government spending and redirecting funds into key priority sectors.
President John Dramani Mahama
“The President believes that leadership must also bear its part of the sacrifices it is calling on the people to make,” the statement noted, highlighting the administration’s commitment to leading by example in the face of current economic pressures.
This move is the latest in a series of austerity measures introduced by the Mahama government.Recent steps include a significant reduction in the size of government through fewer ministerial and presidential staff appointments, and the cancellation of satellite TV subscriptions for offices at the Presidency and other state institutions.
This decision comes barely 24-hours before the implementation of the GHS1.00 levy expected to be charged on every litre of fuel purchased at the pump.
The government has explained that the primary aim of the levy is to provide the Ministry of Energy with sufficient funds to procure fuel for power generation.Source: Ernest K. Arhinful
The fate of one of the popular National Executive officers of the opposition New Patriotic Party (name withheld now), currently hangs in a balance ahead of the party’s national delegates Conference following a petition by a group for his suspension.
An NPP group has reportedly petitioned the National Council to bring disciplinary action against the said national executive officer,after he allegedly lied that former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had reached out to him over suspension of the impending conference slated for Saturday July 19.
According to information, the claims by the accused NPP national Officer led to the holding of an emergency Council meeting on Thursday, July 10, during which he informed members that Nana Akufo -Addo had reached out to him via telephone to express his reservations about the upcoming conference.
He is reported to have told the members that, the former President was not happy with the proposed decision by the party to hold early congress and that he (Nana Akufo Addo) preferred that the decision be overturned.
However, recent revelations from the Office of Nana Akufo-Addo,have proved that the embattled national executive Officer lied about the whole narrative, a situation which has culminated in a petition for his removal.
The former President in an official statement issued by his office on Monday,14th July ,2015,categorically denied ever submitting any petition seeking to overturn or challenge the decision reached during June 17 National Executive Committee meeting.
Report indicates that, One of the key national executives of the Party,, is aware of the said petition by the NPP Group and is expected to consult leadership for the necessary action to be taken. following a petition by a group for his suspension.
Source: tntnewspapergh.com
The Office of former President Akufo-Addo has denied media reports alleging his involvement in efforts to alter the New Patriotic Party’s plans for its upcoming National Delegates Conference.
In an official statement released today, the office described as “completely false” claims published by Otecfinghana and Ghanaweb that the former President sought to overturn party decisions regarding early primaries or postpone the July 19 conference.
The statement clarified that former President Akufo-Addo, who has been outside Ghana for some time, has not submitted any petition or made requests to the party regarding these matters. The office emphasized that he holds no such intentions to interfere with the party’s processes.
“Clearly, those behind these publications have an agenda of their own, which has nothing to do with improving the fortunes of the New Patriotic Party (NPP),” the statement read.
The brief but strongly-worded denial concluded with the office’s official signature, maintaining the former President’s position of non-interference in the party’s upcoming conference.
The NPP’s National Delegates Conference remains scheduled for July 19 as planned, with no indication from party officials that the alleged interference claims have affected preparations.Source: Myjoyonline.com
The Kusaug People’s Congress (KPC) has issued a strongly worded statement condemning recent acts of military brutality against civilians in Bawku and what it describes as the “appalling desecration” of the statue of the Zugraan, the Overlord of the Kusaug Kingdom.
In a press release dated July 14, the KPC expressed grave concern over a reported attack on a military escort in the troubled area, followed by what it says was an unprofessional and disproportionate military response. The group said innocent civilians bore the brunt of retaliatory action, with incidents of brutality that violated human rights and disrespected the cultural identity of the Kusaug people.
“The statue of the Zugraan is more than a symbol — it embodies the unity, history, and identity of the Kusaug Kingdom,” the statement read. “To defile it is to insult the very soul of our people.”
While the KPC unequivocally condemned the initial attack on the military escort, it criticized the Ghana Armed Forces for what it called excessive use of force, intimidation, and indiscriminate treatment of civilians.
The group is demanding an independent investigation into the military’s conduct, a formal apology from both the Ghana Armed Forces and the Government, and the restoration of all cultural and historical symbols of the Kusaug Kingdom. They are also calling for a review of the military’s operations in Bawku and stronger engagement between government and traditional authorities to address the root causes of the conflict.
Additionally, the KPC called for the arrest and prosecution of individuals responsible for recent attacks on vehicles along the Bawku-Tilli-Bolgatanga-Walewale-Tamale road, and demanded enhanced security for travelers in the region.
The statement concluded with a call on civil society, peace advocates, and the international community to stand in solidarity with the people of Kusaug.
“Enough is enough. The people of Kusaug deserve to live in dignity, peace, and respect,” it said.
The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has vowed that individuals involved in the violent incidents during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun will be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of their political affiliations.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House on Monday, July 14, the Minister confirmed that video evidence of the attacks has been handed over to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for immediate action.
“I have spoken to the IGP firmly on all the happenings of Ablekuma North, and the videos have been forwarded to him. We’ve instructed him to act swiftly and bring the perpetrators to book,” he said.
“We are not going to condone wrongdoing, whether it involves people from within our party or from outside.”
The Accountability Series is a government initiative allowing ministers to update citizens on their respective sectors. Alhaji Mohammed-Mubarak used the platform to reaffirm the Interior Ministry’s commitment to public safety and the rule of law.
“The Ministry is keen to seize every opportunity presented to it towards executing its mandate, plans, programmes, and ensuring peace and security for the good people of Ghana,” he noted.
The Minister also reminded the public of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999), cautioning that political thuggery will not be tolerated.
Alhaji Mohammed-Mubarak
“I want to remind myself and all Ghanaians [about] the provision of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019, Act 999, that all of us need to be mindful of the activities of vigilantism,” he said.
Condemning the violence that marred the rerun, he added, “It is a scar on all of our consciences that as a people who have practised democracy for over three decades, we can’t simply just go and have elections and it be violence-free.”
Mr Mohammed-Mubarak praised the current leadership for taking a strong public stance against the violence. “Almost all of us at the top have condemned it. In the past, you would not get that. The Vice President has done that. The President is out of the country, and the Vice President is leading us, and she condemned it.”
Addressing the assault on a journalist during the election, the Minister confirmed that the police officer involved has been identified. “We know where he is, we know where we can find him, and we can easily go after him,” he said.
However, he acknowledged the challenges in apprehending some of the other culprits, noting that they tend to “vanish from the system.”
Despite these challenges, he gave a firm assurance: “The assurance is that we are not going to allow this to go unpunished. The law will have to take its course.”
He urged Ghanaians to play an active role in maintaining peace, saying, “We must all contribute our quota in ensuring that we live peacefully with each other regardless of gender, religion, ethnic origin, or economic or social status.”Source: Clara Seshie
