A major academic fraud scandal has rocked the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) following the dismissal of its Director of Internal Audit, Emmanuel Opoku Ware, for allegedly presenting fake academic credentials.
The revelation, first reported by investigative outlet The Fourth Estate, uncovered that Opoku Ware claimed to possess a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science (MSc), and a PhD, all of which were found to be fabricated.
Among the shocking findings:
He falsely claimed to have earned an MBA from American University
He listed a fake MSc from Redding University
He fabricated a PhD from the University of Illinois
He had previously been dismissed from Sunyani Polytechnic for similar academic fraud
The exposé has sparked nationwide debate over the quality of background checks and the vetting processes within Ghana’s public institutions. Critics are asking how someone with a falsified academic history could have secured and maintained a high-ranking position for three years without scrutiny.
The university has since dismissed Opoku Ware and reportedly censured another official involved in facilities management, though details on the latter remain unclear.
The full investigation by The Fourth Estate is available online and continues to generate strong reactions from both the academic community and the public.
As Ghana grapples with rising concerns over credential fraud in public service, this latest incident underscores the urgent need for stricter verification protocols and greater accountability.
