NaCCA Deputy Director U-Turn: Apology After Insisting on Invalid ‘Dr’ Title Despite GTEC Warning

Introduction

In a significant development within Ghana’s education regulatory framework, the Acting Deputy Director-General of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), Justice Ray Achoanya Ayam, has made a complete NaCCA deputy director U-turn. Initially defiant against the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC)’s directive to cease using an “invalid Dr” title, he issued a formal apology on November 17, 2025. This reversal highlights the critical role of credential verification and accreditation in public service, particularly in the education sector.

The controversy stems from Ayam’s use of a doctoral title awarded by Swiss Management Center (SMC) University, which GTEC deemed invalid due to accreditation issues and document discrepancies. This case underscores the importance of recognizing only verified qualifications in Ghana, especially for senior officials under the Ministry of Education. As public scrutiny grows over fake doctor titles in Ghana education, this event serves as a pedagogical example of regulatory compliance and accountability.

Background on NaCCA and GTEC Roles

NaCCA develops and assesses national curricula, while GTEC regulates tertiary education quality. Their interplay ensures academic integrity, making this GTEC directive SMC University a pivotal enforcement action.

Analysis

The sequence of events reveals a structured regulatory process by GTEC, emphasizing thorough verification before declaring qualifications invalid. On November 10, 2025, GTEC issued a formal letter to NaCCA, directing Ayam to stop using the “Dr” title from SMC University. This followed prior engagements where Ayam submitted his Doctorate of Business Administration certificate and transcript, both dated June 22, 2018.

Key Discrepancies Identified by GTEC

• Lack of Accreditation: The Doctorate of Business Administration from SMC lacks recognition by GTEC, rendering it invalid in Ghana.
• Non-Standard Designation: The title uses “Doctorate of Business Administration” instead of the conventional “Doctor of Business Administration,” deviating from standard doctoral nomenclature.
• Institutional Inconsistencies: The certificate lists “Swiss Management Centre,” while the transcript references “SMC University,” raising authenticity concerns.

Ayam’s initial response defied this, stating he would continue using the title until a court ruling. Public backlash ensued, given his senior role, amplifying calls for adherence to Ghana tertiary education accreditation standards. His subsequent apology retracted this stance, affirming full compliance.

Implications for Public Trust

This U-turn restores confidence in NaCCA leadership and reinforces GTEC’s authority. It pedagogically illustrates how regulatory bodies combat unverified degrees, protecting the integrity of Ghana’s education system.

Summary

Justice Ray Achoanya Ayam, NaCCA’s Acting Deputy Director-General, reversed his position after GTEC’s November 10, 2025, directive against his invalid SMC University “Dr” title. Despite initial insistence on court intervention, his November 17 letter apologizes, retracts defiance, and commits to compliance. Copied to top Ministry of Education officials, it addresses stakeholder concerns and upholds professional standards.

This NaCCA deputy director apology resolves a public dispute, emphasizing verified credentials’ necessity in educational governance.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For professionals in Ghana’s public sector, especially education, verifying qualifications is essential. Here’s pedagogical guidance on credential verification in Ghana:

Steps for Degree Validation

1. Check Accreditation: Use GTEC’s portal or contact them to confirm if the issuing institution is recognized.
2. Submit Documents: Provide originals of certificates and transcripts for official review.
3. Monitor Naming Conventions: Ensure titles match standard formats like “Doctor of [Field]” for doctorates.
4. Respond Promptly: Comply with directives to avoid escalation or public scrutiny.
5. Seek Legal Advice if Needed: Only challenge via courts after exhausting regulatory channels.

Educators and administrators should integrate these practices into hiring and promotion protocols, fostering a culture of integrity.

Points of Caution

While pursuing advanced degrees abroad is commendable, caution is advised:

• Avoid unaccredited institutions like SMC University, previously flagged by GTEC.
• Public officials face heightened scrutiny; misrepresentation erodes trust.
• Initial defiance, as seen here, can amplify reputational damage.
• Always cross-verify foreign credentials through Ghanaian regulators before use.
• Non-compliance may lead to professional repercussions in regulated sectors.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Title Usage

Distinguish between honorary and earned doctorates; only earned, accredited ones warrant “Dr” in professional contexts.

Comparison

This incident parallels other Ghanaian cases of invalid degrees in public service. For instance, GTEC has issued similar warnings against qualifications from unaccredited online providers. Unlike private sector misuse, Ayam’s position in education governance drew intense focus, contrasting with less publicized corporate examples.

Vs. Previous GTEC Actions

This resolution sets a positive precedent for quick rectification.

Legal Implications

GTEC holds statutory authority under Ghana’s Education Regulatory Bodies Act to regulate tertiary qualifications and invalidate unaccredited degrees. Ayam’s mention of court intervention highlights potential judicial recourse, but his compliance averts litigation. No laws were breached post-apology, but initial defiance risked administrative sanctions or professional misconduct probes. Public officers must adhere to such directives to avoid liability under public service regulations.

Relevant Ghanaian Laws

• Education Act, 2008 (Act 778): Empowers GTEC on accreditation.
• Public Services Commission Regulations: Mandate verified qualifications for appointments.

Conclusion

The NaCCA deputy director’s U-turn exemplifies accountability in Ghana’s education leadership. By apologizing and complying with GTEC, Justice Ray Achoanya Ayam upholds standards against invalid titles like the SMC University doctorate. This case educates on the perils of unverified credentials, reinforcing GTEC’s role in safeguarding academic integrity. Moving forward, it encourages proactive verification, benefiting public trust and educational quality.

As Ghana advances its curriculum via NaCCA, such regulatory adherence ensures credible leadership.

FAQ