Two-term failed parliamentary aspirant, James Kofi Annan, has been ordered to stop using the title ‘Dr.’ unless he is able to prove that he indeed has a credible Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree from an accredited academic institution.
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has officially written to James Kofi Annan, founder of Challenging Heights, a non-profit organisation and cautioned him that it is misleading and inconsistent with academic protocols for him to use academic titles that have not been duly earned or conferred through a recognized academic process.
“Should you be unable to provide the required documentation; you will be expected-without delay-to cease the use of the title “Dr.” Furthermore, you must provide verifiable evidence that this title has been withdrawn from all relevant platforms.”, GTEC ordered James Kofi Annan in a letter dated June 19, 2025.
The full letter reads:
“DR” JAMES KOFI ANNAN
FOUNDER CHALLENGING HEIGHTS
P.O. BOX KN 1978
KANESHIE-ACCRA
Dear Sir,
USE OF THE TITLE “DR” – REQUEST FOR CLARIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has taken note of your continued use of the academic title “Dr,” specifically in reference to yourself as Dr. James Kofi Annan.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission wishes to formally express its concern regarding the use of academic titles that have not been duly earned or conferred through a recognized academic process. The use of such titles-particularly when lacking formal academic validation-can be misleading and is inconsistent with established academic protocols and standards governing the conferment and use of academic ranks in Ghana.
In light of the above, the Commission hereby requests that you provide the following documentation:
- Clarification regarding the use of the title “Dr,” specifically:
- The name of the awarding institution
- Whether the doctoral degree is earned or honorary
- The date it was conferred; and
- The process through which it was conferred
Should you be unable to provide the required documentation, you will be expected-without delay-to cease the use of the title “Dr.” Furthermore, you must provide verifiable evidence that this title has been withdrawn from all relevant platforms, including but not limited to:
- Official documents
- Institutional profiles
- Websites
- Letterheads
- Any other public or professional representations
The Commission expects your full cooperation in addressing this matter and looks forward to your prompt compliance.
Yours faithfully,
SIGNED
PROF. AUGUSTINE OCLOO
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL
FOR: DIRECTOR-GENERAL
