In a case that has sparked significant public interest, the academic qualifications of Professor Edward Dua Agyeman, former Board Chairman of the Ghana Audit Service, have come under scrutiny in a defamation lawsuit at the Accra High Court. The case, which dates back to 2018, was initiated by Prof. Dua Agyeman against Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), for alleged defamatory statements.
The Basis of the Lawsuit
Prof. Dua Agyeman filed a GH¢20 million defamation suit against Mr. Asiedu Nketia, accusing him of making claims that tarnished his reputation. Specifically, Mr. Asiedu Nketia alleged that Prof. Agyeman had produced fraudulent audit reports, which led to his dismissal from the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana. These assertions have been fiercely contested by the plaintiff, who seeks to restore his reputation through legal redress.
Cross-Examination: Questions About Credentials
A key development in the case occurred during the cross-examination of Prof. Augustine Ocloo, Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), who testified as a defense witness. GTEC’s investigation into Prof. Dua Agyeman’s academic credentials, particularly his professorial title and PhD from Warmborough College, became central to the proceedings.
Under questioning by Gary Nimako Marfo, counsel for the plaintiff, Prof. Ocloo admitted that he had not personally verified the petition questioning Prof. Dua Agyeman’s qualifications. He explained that such matters are handled collectively by GTEC’s team. However, he could not confirm whether a letter from GTEC requesting documentation for the professorial title was ever delivered to Prof. Dua Agyeman. Counsel for the plaintiff argued that the non-delivery of this letter and its subsequent publication in Graphic Online on June 18, 2025, were deliberate actions aimed at defaming his client.
In response, Samuel Cudjoe, counsel for the defendant, objected to this assertion, arguing that no defamation occurred since Prof. Dua Agyeman had responded publicly to GTEC’s letter in another Graphic Online publication. The court overruled this objection.
Accreditation Concerns: Warmborough College
Further scrutiny was placed on Warmborough College, where Prof. Dua Agyeman reportedly earned his PhD and professorship in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Prof. Ocloo testified that Warmborough College lacked accreditation to award degrees or appoint professors, citing findings from GTEC’s Credential Evaluation Department. However, when pressed on whether GTEC had directly contacted Warmborough College to verify its accreditation status, Prof. Ocloo stated that the commission relied on “established procedures” but did not provide evidence of direct communication.
Examination-in-Chief: GTEC’s Efforts to Ensure Academic Integrity
Earlier in the proceedings, Samuel Cudjoe led Prof. Ocloo in giving evidence-in-chief regarding GTEC’s broader efforts to address unearned academic titles in Ghana. According to Prof. Ocloo, these efforts led to inquiries into Prof. Dua Agyeman’s credentials. GTEC reportedly sent two letters to Prof. Dua Agyeman’s last known address at the Ghana Audit Service, requesting documentation for his professorial title.
The witness also challenged Prof. Agyeman’s claim of lecturing in 2004, stating that his qualifications at the time—a bachelor’s degree, a teacher’s certificate, and an ACCA certification—did not meet the minimum requirement of a master’s degree for a lecturing position.
Implications and Public Interest
The case raises broader questions about academic integrity and the verification processes for academic titles in Ghana. It underscores the importance of institutions like GTEC in ensuring that qualifications and titles are earned through legitimate channels.
As the proceedings continue, both parties remain steadfast in their positions, with significant reputational and financial stakes involved. The outcome of this case will likely have far-reaching implications not only for the individuals involved but also for Ghana’s educational and professional landscape.
Stay tuned for further updates as this high-profile case unfolds at the Accra High Court.
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Curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
