The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has issued a formal directive to politician Hassan Ayariga, demanding that he immediately cease using the academic title "Dr." until he can provide valid documentation to justify its use.

In a letter dated July 14, 2025, and signed by the Commission’s Deputy Director-General, Prof. Augustine Ocloo, GTEC said it had previously requested information from Mr. Ayariga regarding the origin and legitimacy of his doctoral title but had received no response.

The Commission had specifically asked for:

The name of the awarding institution

Whether the doctorate was earned or honorary

The date the degree was conferred

The process through which it was granted

GTEC expressed concern that the continued use of academic titles without proper validation is “misleading and inconsistent with the academic protocols and standards governing the conferment and use of academic ranks in Ghana.”

“In light of your inability to provide the required documentation, you are hereby directed to immediately cease the use of the title 'Dr.',” the letter stated.

GTEC further instructed Mr. Ayariga to provide verifiable proof that the title has been removed from all public and professional platforms, including official documents, institutional profiles, websites, letterheads, and any other representations.

The Commission has given him until July 31, 2025, to fully comply with the directive, warning that failure to do so may result in legal action.