Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr. Hassan Ayariga, has strongly reacted to a letter allegedly issued by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), which directs him to cease using the academic title “Dr.” over concerns about its legitimacy.

The letter, which surfaced on social media on July 15, 2025, accused Mr. Ayariga of failing to provide proof of having earned or been awarded the title through a recognised academic process.

GTEC warned of legal consequences if he failed to comply by July 31, 2025.

However, in a swift rebuttal, Mr. Ayariga denied receiving any official correspondence from GTEC and described the circulation of the letter as “highly unprofessional and premature.”

“It has come to my attention that a letter allegedly from GTEC is circulating online regarding my use of the title ‘Dr.’

Let me state clearly and categorically that I have not received any official communication from the Commission,” Ayariga said in a statement issued Tuesday evening.

He expressed concern over GTEC’s handling of the matter, accusing the Commission of breaching professional standards and failing to follow due process.

In a formal response addressed to GTEC, Mr. Ayariga criticised the Commission for making what he called a “premature and unverified assertion” without giving him a fair opportunity to respond or present evidence.

“It is quite surprising that a body which calls itself professional would issue a public statement without completing a thorough investigation or affording me the opportunity to respond adequately,” the letter read.

Dr. Ayariga also demanded that GTEC provide details of the investigation that led to the letter’s issuance and called for a retraction and clarification if the matter had been mishandled.