EOCO investigating three C.K. Tedam University professors over allegations of fake certificates and over-aged appointments

Accra, Ghana – The Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) has summoned Dr Michael Boadu, the dismissed assistant senior registrar of the C.K. Tedam University of Applied Sciences and Technology, to address allegations of using a fake certificate to secure his position. EOCO's investigation focuses on allegations of fake certificates and “over-aged” appointments, raising concerns about the university's credibility.

Sources within EOCO, speaking anonymously to The Fourth Estate, confirmed that the anti-corruption institution is looking into the allegations surrounding the university. EOCO has also invited the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Magnus Wilmot, and the registrar, Dr V.A. Ankamah-Lomotey, who continue to hold their positions despite surpassing the retirement age.

While the Vice-Chancellor and the registrar appeared before EOCO last week, Dr Boadu is yet to respond to the invitation.

The investigation stems from a petition filed by Joseph Pwoawuvi Weguri, a resident of Navrongo, who alleges that both the Vice-Chancellor and the registrar are unfit for their positions. Weguri claims that Prof. Wilmot and Dr Ankamah-Lomotey were involved in the appointment of Dr Boadu, who allegedly presented fake Bachelor of Law and Master of Public Administration certificates from the University of Ghana.

In addition to the petition submitted to EOCO, Weguri has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of Prof. Eric Wilmot and Dr Ankamah-Lomotey, arguing that they have exceeded the retirement age and are ineligible to hold their positions.

Earlier this month, The Fourth Estate reported allegations of impropriety against the top officials of the C.K. Tedam University of Applied Sciences and Technology. The appointment of the Vice-Chancellor and the registrar, both retirees, had already raised concerns within the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). The commission expressed dissatisfaction with the university's decision to appoint individuals who had surpassed the retirement age to key positions.

According to the plaintiff, the Act establishing the university mandates the appointment of its officers, including the Vice-Chancellor and Registrars, in compliance with the institution's statutes. However, the plaintiff argues that the appointment violated Ghana's public service laws, particularly Article 199 of the 1992 Constitution, by allowing public officers to remain employed beyond the compulsory retirement age of 60, as stipulated in the National Pensions Act.

The University's Council defended the appointments of the Vice-Chancellor and the registrar in response to GTEC's concerns. They stated that the Governing Council, with the approval of the Minister of Education, conducted a thorough interview process and granted full four-year terms to Prof. Eric Magnus Wilmot and Dr V.A. Ankamah-Lomotey.

However, the Council acknowledged that Dr Michael Adusei Boadu had presented fake certificates to the university after one year of employment as an assistant registrar. The Appointments and Promotions Board discovered the deception during an examination of the certificates and verified that Dr Boadu's LLB and Master of Public Administration certificates from the University of Ghana were counterfeit.

Dr Boadu has been instructed to refund all salaries and allowances received during his tenure at the university, totalling GHS 231,182.64. The registrar of the university, Dr V.A. Ankamah Lomotey, issued a directive for the refund, requiring Dr Boadu to submit a payment plan to cover the amount by January 15, 2023.