The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has unveiled a comprehensive national policy aimed at ending the widespread abuse, commercialisation, and improper conferment of honorary degrees by tertiary institutions across the country. Signed by GTEC Director-General Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai and issued on December 8, 2025, the policy warns that the unchecked proliferation of honorary awards—often facilitated by unaccredited bodies and questionable collaborations—is threatening academic integrity and tarnishing Ghana’s international reputation. Backed by the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), the new framework establishes rigorous national standards for all public and chartered private universities. It affirms GTEC’s authority to investigate, query, or sanction institutions that violate the rules. Under the policy, unaccredited institutions, mentored colleges, and external bodies lacking approval are strictly barred from conferring honorary degrees in Ghana. GTEC stressed that any such awards will not be recognised. The Commission also prohibits universities from granting honorary degrees in exchange for donations, political favours, or material influence. Institutions that confer honorary degrees excessively or without merit will be queried and could lose their right to award such degrees. A key highlight of the directive is a ban on the misuse of honorary titles. The policy clearly states that recipients of honorary degrees cannot use the title “Dr.”, and institutions are required to issue guidance to prevent misrepresentation. Any recipient who misuses the title risks having their award withdrawn. To promote transparency, institutions must document all nomination and vetting processes, conduct integrity checks, and maintain formal registers of all honorary degrees conferred. GTEC reserves the right to withdraw any award that was improperly granted or based on fraudulent information. Describing the policy as a crucial intervention, GTEC said it is designed to “protect the integrity of Ghana’s higher education system,” prevent the commercialisation of honorary awards, and restore public confidence in academic honours. The policy is effective immediately. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has launched an investigation into a viral video in which American national Arianna Naomi Mackey claims she was kidnapped and robbed by five masked men purporting to be police officers conducting snap checks in Accra. According to the CID, initial inquiries revealed that the video was filmed at a hotel in Accra, where Mackey and two companions were staying. Records indicate that the group checked out of the hotel on December 5, 2025, the same day Mackey departed Ghana from Kotoka International Airport. Efforts to obtain further details from Mackey have proven difficult. She reportedly told police she was unable to provide the names of the alleged officers or the number plate of the vehicle involved. Mackey also declined to share the contact information of a friend who was with her, citing the friend’s reluctance to participate in the investigation. The CID noted that the video has since been deleted from Mackey’s social media and that attempts to reach her via WhatsApp calls and messages have been unsuccessful. Investigators are now seeking her cooperation through diplomatic channels. Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, Public Relations Officer for the CID, assured the public that the Ghana Police Service takes such allegations seriously and is committed to uncovering the facts surrounding the reported incident. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation during a working visit to the Osu Tax Service Centre. There, he interacted with staff responsible for tax administration and compliance, commending their dedication to boosting the nation’s revenue collection efforts. Dr. Forson highlighted that while the government has made notable strides in expenditure control and the Bank of Ghana continues to perform strongly, the next vital step is to enhance domestic revenue. He assured the officers that his visit was meant to encourage, not interfere with, their work. “I emphasised that my visit was to encourage, not to interfere. I will not obstruct revenue collection, no matter whose ox is gored,” he stated. Expressing concern over Ghana’s frequent reliance on tax increases, Dr. Forson stressed the need to focus on strengthening compliance mechanisms and improving collection systems. “It pains me anytime we resort to higher taxes instead of widening compliance and improving collection. We cannot keep piling taxes on an already burdened taxpayer,” he said. The Finance Minister revealed that the government plans to introduce new electronic tools next year to support effective tax administration. He also pledged to personally devote about half of his working time to driving the revenue transformation agenda. Dr. Forson called for collaboration across institutions and among the public to build a fair, strong, and sustainable revenue system. “Together, we can build a fairer, stronger, and more sustainable revenue system for Ghana,” he concluded. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has apprehended three individuals believed to be directly linked to a 1,158-kilogram consignment of a substance suspected to be cocaine, which was shipped from Ghana to the Port of Antwerp in Belgium. The arrests, made on December 4, 2025, followed weeks of coordinated intelligence operations between security agencies in Ghana and their Belgian counterparts. Belgian authorities intercepted the suspected narcotics upon its arrival in Europe, making it one of the largest international drug cases traced back to Ghana this year. According to NACOC, the three suspects allegedly played central roles in preparing, documenting, and exporting the shipment, which had been disguised as legitimate cargo. Early investigations indicate that the consignment may be linked to a broader transnational drug-trafficking network operating through multiple West African ports. Security sources revealed that Belgian officials alerted NACOC after detecting anomalies in the container, prompting a swift operation that led to the suspects’ arrests in Ghana. NACOC has launched a full-scale investigation to identify additional accomplices and uncover the extent of the network behind the attempted export. The commission reiterated its dedication to tightening port surveillance and enhancing international cooperation to combat drug trafficking. It has also urged freight operators, shipping agents, and the public to report any suspicious activities as Ghana ramps up efforts to fight the trafficking of illicit substances. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Yiribaare, has confirmed the arrest of four students in connection with violent disturbances at the Wa Technical Institute. In a media briefing, DCOP Yiribaare described the incident as a serious act of misconduct that resulted in significant damage to school property. The unrest, he explained, broke out when some students resisted internal disciplinary measures. What began as a routine enforcement of school rules escalated after students repeatedly ignored warnings against the use of unauthorised uniforms and mobile phones. When disciplinary action was taken, a group of students responded aggressively, defying the school’s regulations. The situation soon turned violent. Several students vandalised school property, damaging six vehicles on the compound and smashing window panes at the administration block and the multi-purpose hall. Police responded swiftly after receiving reports of the chaos. DCOP Yiribaare also noted that an investigation is underway involving the school’s domestic bursar, after several food items belonging to the institution were found in her possession. If culpability is established, he said, the case would be sent to court. In a separate development, DCOP Yiribaare provided an update on a December 5 incident at Saawie, where police officers responding to a complaint were allegedly attacked and disarmed by some youth in the area. Reinforcements later arrested nine suspects. Seven have been arraigned, while two were released after interrogation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com