President John Dramani Mahama has dismissed Dr. Nuhu Zakaria from his role as Chief Executive Officer of the National Ambulance Service, amid public uproar and institutional censure over his alleged misuse of the academic title “Professor.”
Though no official explanation was provided for Dr. Zakaria’s removal, the decision comes in the wake of a public directive issued by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), which ordered him to stop referring to himself as “Professor,” a title it said he had not legitimately earned.
In a letter dated June 21, 2024, GTEC stated unequivocally that Dr. Zakaria had no legal claim to the academic rank, as no accredited university in Ghana or abroad had officially conferred the title upon him. The Commission emphasised that only institutions with a presidential charter have the authority to grant professorial titles.
“You are therefore directed to desist from using the title ‘Professor’ with immediate effect, as it has not been conferred on you by a legally mandated body,” the GTEC letter stated.
GTEC further warned that the unauthorised use of academic titles amounts to academic dishonesty and misrepresentation, potentially misleading the public and undermining the integrity of Ghana’s academic institutions.
While it is unclear whether the GTEC warning directly influenced President Mahama’s decision, the close timing between the Commission’s letter and the termination of Dr. Zakaria’s appointment has fuelled public speculation. The incident has stirred debate around academic integrity in public service, with calls for stricter enforcement of professional standards.
Dr. Zakaria, a respected emergency medical specialist, had served as the CEO of the National Ambulance Service for several years, overseeing major expansions in emergency healthcare infrastructure and improving response times across Ghana.
His tenure saw the establishment of new ambulance stations, the training of emergency medical technicians, and the procurement of state-of-the-art vehicles and equipment.
The incident adds to growing calls for transparency and accountability among public officials, particularly regarding qualifications and professional designations. Critics argue that the misuse of academic titles can erode public trust and diminish the legitimacy of genuine academic achievement.
Civil society organisations have lauded GTEC’s intervention and urged public institutions to carry out rigorous vetting processes when appointing individuals to leadership roles.
As of now, the presidency has yet to announce a replacement for Dr. Zakaria.
Click the link Puretvonline.com | WhatsApp Channel to join the WhatsApp channel
GOT A STORY?
Contact/WhatsApp: +233243201960 or Email: manuelnkansah33@gmail.com