GIFEC CEO Faces Dismissal Call Over Alleged Fake PhD from Nonexistent University

A concerned citizen, Odeneho Kwaku Takyi—popularly known as Sir Obama—has petitioned President John Mahama to immediately dismiss the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), Tanko Rashid-Computer, over allegations of academic fraud.

Mr. Rashid-Computer, who also serves as Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), is accused of holding a fraudulent PhD in Public Administration, allegedly obtained in 2016 from the unaccredited Kinsnow University in the United States.

In the petition submitted to the Jubilee House on Thursday, June 12, 2025, Takyi claims Kinsnow University does not exist in the U.S. or anywhere in the world. He says the institution is absent from all official directories of accredited universities, including those maintained by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

“This matter represents not only a serious breach of public trust but also a violation of the Code of Conduct for public officials and provisions of the 1992 Constitution,” the petition states.

According to Takyi, a letter from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) had already advised Mr. Rashid-Computer to stop using the title “Dr.” due to doubts about the legitimacy of his doctoral degree.

The petitioner is calling for the CEO’s immediate dismissal and a criminal investigation into whether he used the questionable credentials to secure or retain his current role. He also wants the President to direct GTEC to verify all of Mr. Rashid-Computer’s academic qualifications—both undergraduate and postgraduate—and urges broader scrutiny of academic credentials among public office holders.

Additionally, Takyi advocates for stricter vetting and verification of academic certificates for all government appointees, citing Section 5 of the 2025 Code of Conduct, which prescribes penalties including termination of appointment.

This petition follows a public campaign by Takyi, who has used social media to highlight his concerns. His actions intensified after a Joy Prime interview aired on June 11, in which Mr. Rashid-Computer defended the authenticity of his PhD.

GTEC has previously cautioned against the use of unaccredited or honorary academic titles, warning that such practices violate the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), and undermine public confidence in Ghana’s education system.

The controversy comes weeks after President Mahama revoked the appointment of a National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) board member accused of impersonating a medical doctor.

Takyi has since confirmed via Facebook that the petition has been formally submitted and reiterated his demand for accountability and proper credential checks across public service.