Accra Met Launches Blockchain-Secured Certificates to Combat Academic Fraud

Accra Metropolitan University (Accra Met) has unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in academic credential security with the rollout of blockchain-secured certificates,firmly positioning the institution as a digital innovation leader in Ghana and across Africa.

According to the University, this shift aligns Accra Met with top global institutions already using advanced blockchain systems to curb academic fraud.

The initiative was reinforced during a strategic meeting in London, where Prof. Goski Alabi, President of Accra Metropolitan University and Chair of the Governing Council of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), reaffirmed both institutions’ commitment to safeguarding the integrity of their academic awards.

The engagement, supported by Mr Andy Lumor, Head of the Secretariat for all public universities in Ghana, highlighted a unified push toward more secure certification practices.

The Secretariat emphasised that adopting blockchain-backed certification will further enhance Ghana’s international reputation for academic excellence, especially significant as Ghana remains the only country globally to adopt Blockchain Paper® as a national standard, solidifying its leadership role in secure academic documentation.

The need for robust protection has intensified in recent years.

UNESCO reports that the fake degree industry ballooned from $1 billion in 2015 to $22 billion in 2022, while CIFAS data shows that 63% of employment-related fraud involves fabricated qualifications.

With such alarming growth, blockchain technology has emerged as one of the most trusted tools for verification, offering tamper-proof, instantly verifiable certificates authenticated directly by issuing institutions.

Accra Met’s new system incorporates these features, enabling employers, regulators, and global academic partners to authenticate documents within seconds using a simple smartphone scan, dramatically reducing delays caused by manual checks.

Students stand to benefit as well. Graduates will receive secure printed certificates, blockchain-protected digital documents, and micro-credential badges for short courses, making it easier than ever to share verified qualifications.

The physical certificates, printed on Blockchain Paper®, include cryptographic seals, holograms, watermarks, and numismatic security layers, creating multiple barriers against forgery or unauthorised reproduction.

For the institution, the transition promises operational improvements through automated issuance, dependable digital archives, and streamlined document management processes.

The move also reflects international best practices and strengthens Ghana’s role as a trailblazer in educational technology across the continent.

Employers and accreditation bodies are expected to benefit from faster verification and heightened trust, improving hiring and evaluation processes.