A fierce debate has erupted following parliamentary vetting of Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah as Deputy Minister of Health, where she claimed the title “Professor.” Award-winning journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has since scrutinized her academic designation, while the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) disputes her claim. This article unpacks the developments and why the truth matters.
During her vetting, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin questioned the use of the “Professor” title, prompting Dr. Ayensu-Danquah to insist she was “a full Professor of Surgery” at the University of Utah, citing prolific research output and multiple defended theses.
However, scrutiny of her credentials reveals a different picture:
- Her CV lists just 13 research works (including her master’s thesis), mainly orally presented, raising doubts about her “too numerous to count” claim.
- A letter from the University of Utah to GTEC dated August 7, 2025, explicitly identifies her as an “adjunct assistant professor” — not a full professor.
- Similarly, her lawyers’ letter to GTEC avoids the “Professor” title entirely, affirming her as an assistant professor.
GTEC Director-General Prof. Ahmed Abdulai Jinapor has publicly rejected her claim and the lawyers’ ultimatum. He emphasized:
- GTEC was never shown an official appointment letter—of any rank—from the University of Utah
- GTEC attempted private resolution with Dr. Ayensu-Danquah but she declined to drop her unearned title.
- He characterized her lawyers’ advice as detrimental and questioned their credibility.
Analysis by Manasseh Azure Awuni
In his opinion piece, Manasseh Azure Awuni asserts:
- Dr. Ayensu-Danquah knowingly misrepresented her academic rank, contravening GTEC regulations.
- From both Ghanaian and U.S. academic standards, an “adjunct assistant professor” is vastly different from a full professorship.
- GTEC’s efforts to preserve academic integrity are commendable amid rising misuse of titles and credentials.
This controversy is about more than semantics—it strikes at the heart of credibility in public office. Dr. Ayensu-Danquah’s medical and political accomplishments are notable, yet her use of the title “Professor” without the required credentials undermines trust. As Awuni concludes, honoring earned titles matters—not only for the individuals concerned, but for society at large.
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