ICAG loses GTEC accreditation following CEO’s defiance over “Dr” name – Life Pulse Daily

ICAG LosesGTEC Accreditation: CEO’s Defiance Over “Dr” Title Triggers Major Crisis

**Introduction**
In a significant blow to Ghana’s accounting profession, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has decisively withdrawn its accreditation from the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG). This unprecedented action stems directly from the defiance of ICAG’s newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Eric Oduro Osae, who continued to use the academic title “Dr” despite explicit directives from GTEC. The loss of accreditation carries profound implications for the recognition of ICAG’s qualifications and the credibility of its leadership.

**Key Points**
* **GTEC Withdrawal:** GTEC has revoked its accreditation status for ICAG.
* **CEO’s Defiance:** CEO Eric Oduro Osae persisted in using the title “Dr” after GTEC ordered him to stop.
* **Accreditation Loss:** All certificates issued by ICAG from January 8, 2026, are declared invalid.
* **Credential Investigation:** GTEC found Oduro Osae’s claimed doctoral credentials from the Swiss Management Centre (SMC) and Universidad Central de Nicaragua (UCN) to be invalid.
* **Inconsistencies Exposed:** Investigations revealed significant anomalies in Oduro Osae’s academic record, including missing credit hours, unclear grading, unverifiable course classifications, and ambiguity regarding the relationship between SMC and UCN.
* **GTEC’s Directive:** GTEC explicitly ordered Oduro Osae to cease using the “Dr” title in all professional and public representations.
* **Reversal Possible:** GTEC stated the accreditation loss is reversible if Oduro Osae and ICAG take appropriate corrective measures.
* **Public Listing:** GTEC directed its Director of Corporate Affairs to list ICAG among unrecognised institutions.

**Background**
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) is the statutory body responsible for accrediting tertiary institutions and programmes in Ghana, ensuring they meet national quality standards. The Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG) is the professional body for chartered accountants in Ghana, responsible for education, training, and regulation within the profession.

The crisis erupted following the appointment of Eric Oduro Osae as ICAG’s Chief Executive Officer, effective January 5, 2026. Shortly after his appointment, GTEC became aware of media reports profiling Oduro Osae, which described him as holding a Doctorate in Political Economy. This directly contradicted a directive GTEC had issued to Oduro Osae in October 2025, following an investigation into his credentials. That October investigation found the doctoral certificates he presented from SMC and UCN to be invalid and not recognised under Ghana’s tertiary education framework. GTEC had explicitly ordered him to stop using the “Dr” title.

**Analysis**
GTEC’s decision represents a severe escalation in response to what it perceives as a fundamental breach of its authority and quality assurance protocols. The commission’s investigation uncovered not just the invalidity of the specific doctoral credentials Oduro Osae presented, but also a pattern of inconsistencies and anomalies within his academic record. This suggests a systemic issue with the veracity of his claimed qualifications.

The core conflict revolves around Oduro Osae’s defiance of GTEC’s authority. Despite receiving a clear, formal directive to cease using the “Dr” title based on the invalidity of his credentials, he continued to use it in professional and public capacities, including his appointment as CEO. GTEC views this defiance as undermining its regulatory role and damaging the credibility of the institutions it accredits. The commission’s public listing of ICAG as unrecognised serves as a strong deterrent to stakeholders and reinforces its stance.

The implications are far-reaching. The invalidation of all certificates issued by ICAG from January 8, 2026, directly impacts students, graduates, and employers relying on these qualifications. The potential reversal of the accreditation loss hinges entirely on Oduro Osae and ICAG taking concrete steps to address the breach, which likely involves formally acknowledging the invalidity of the credentials, ceasing the misuse of the title, and implementing robust quality assurance measures. The crisis severely damages trust in both Oduro Osae’s leadership and the governance of ICAG.

**Practical Advice**
For Institutions:
1. **Vigilance:** Maintain rigorous internal verification processes for leadership credentials.
2. **Compliance:** Ensure absolute adherence to all regulatory directives regarding qualifications and titles.
3. **Transparency:** Foster a culture of transparency regarding academic backgrounds and qualifications.

For Students and Employers:
1. **Verify:** Always verify the accreditation status of educational institutions and the qualifications of individuals claiming specific titles or degrees.
2. **Caution:** Be wary of individuals or institutions using academic titles without verifiable, recognised qualifications.
3. **Seek Clarity:** Consult official GTEC registries or professional bodies for confirmation on accreditation status.

**FAQ**
* **Q: What exactly did GTEC find wrong with Oduro Osae’s credentials?**
* A: GTEC found the doctoral certificates he claimed from SMC and UCN to be invalid and not recognised under Ghana’s tertiary education framework. Investigations revealed missing credit hours, unclear grading, unverifiable course classifications, and ambiguity about the relationship between SMC and UCN in conferring the degrees. No verifiable documentation supported his claims of a University of London doctorate.
* **Q: Why is GTEC revoking accreditation for ICAG because of the CEO’s title?**
* A: GTEC views the CEO’s continued use of the “Dr” title, despite being explicitly ordered to stop due to invalid credentials, as a fundamental breach of its authority and a severe threat to the integrity of its accreditation process and the credibility of the institutions it accredits. The CEO’s defiance undermines GTEC’s regulatory role.
* **Q: Can ICAG get its accreditation back?**
* A: Yes, GTEC stated the accreditation loss is reversible if Oduro Osae and ICAG take appropriate corrective measures to address the breach, which would likely include formally acknowledging the invalidity of the credentials, ceasing the misuse of the title, and implementing robust quality assurance.
* **Q: What does this mean for ICAG’s qualifications?**
* A: All certificates issued by ICAG from January 8, 2026, are declared invalid. This impacts graduates, current students, and employers relying on these qualifications.
* **Q: How can I verify if an institution or person is accredited by GTEC?**
* A: GTEC maintains official registries. You can check their website or contact them directly for verification.

**Conclusion**
The withdrawal of GTEC accreditation from ICAG represents a landmark event driven by the CEO’s defiance over his academic title. GTEC’s investigation exposed significant flaws in Oduro Osae’s claimed doctoral qualifications and a pattern of inconsistencies. His continued use of the “Dr” title, despite explicit directives, prompted GTEC to take the drastic step of revoking accreditation, a decision it deems necessary to uphold its regulatory authority and protect the integrity of Ghana’s tertiary education system. The crisis underscores the critical importance of verifiable qualifications and compliance with regulatory frameworks for both educational institutions and their leadership.

**Sources**
1. Life Pulse Daily (2026, January 8). *ICAG loses GTEC accreditation following CEO’s defiance over “Dr” name*. [Original Article]
2. GTEC (2025, October). Investigation Report on Eric Oduro Osae’s Academic Credentials. [Internal GTEC Document – Verifiable via GTEC Registry]
3. GTEC (2026, January 8). Letter from Prof Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, Director-General, to Eric Oduro Osae, CEO, ICAG. [GTEC Registry/Press Release]

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