Eric Oduro Osae and the GTEC “Dr.” title dispute, Eric Oduro Osae is the former Director-General of Ghana’s Internal Audit Agency (IAA) and member of the UN Independent Audit Advisory Committee.
Early Life and Education
Eric Oduro Osae is a Ghanaian lawyer and chartered accountant who has served in both academic and public-service roles. He holds degrees in Law (LL.B, BL) and advanced qualifications in Public Administration and Governance, with numerous public records referencing a Ph.D. He has researched and taught in the areas of local government finance, fiscal decentralisation, and public financial management.
Professional Career
Internal Audit Agency (IAA)
Oduro Osae served as Director-General of the Internal Audit Agency, overseeing national internal audit reforms, public financial accountability programs, and anti-corruption initiatives until his retirement in April 2025. He was credited with strengthening institutional controls across public sector entities and advocating for transparency and good governance.
United Nations Engagement
Internationally, he has been a member of the United Nations Independent Audit Advisory Committee, where he contributed to oversight and governance frameworks at a global level.
Academic and Research Roles
Oduro Osae has lectured and held leadership positions at the Institute of Local Government Studies, including serving as Dean of Graduate Studies and Head of Research and Consultancy. His research covers local government finance, decentralisation, and public sector accountability.
Public Commentary
He is widely known as a governance commentator in Ghana, often appearing on radio and television to discuss public finance, anti-corruption measures, and policy issues.
Areas of Expertise
- Public Financial Management
- Internal Audit and Governance
- Fiscal Decentralisation
- Anti-Corruption and Compliance
- Institutional Capacity Building
Awards and Recognition
Eric Oduro Osae has been recognised for his leadership in public sector reform and his service in international audit advisory roles. His professional qualifications and longstanding service make him one of Ghana’s notable voices in governance and accountability.
| Year / Period | Position / Milestone |
|---|---|
| Pre-2020 | Senior lecturer and consultant in local government finance |
| 2020 – 2025 | Director-General, Internal Audit Agency, Ghana |
| 2024 – 2025 | Member, UN Independent Audit Advisory Committee |
| October 2025 | Responded to GTEC challenge regarding use of the “Dr.” title |
Dr Eric Oduro Osae Vows to Fight Back After GTEC Questions Validity of His ‘Dr.’ Title.
Background
In October 2025, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) issued a public request for Eric Oduro Osae to provide verifiable evidence supporting his use of the academic title “Dr.” The move followed growing public discussion about academic credentials and title usage among public officials.
GTEC’s Directive
GTEC asked Oduro Osae to submit proof of a terminal academic degree (such as a Ph.D. or equivalent) from a recognised and accredited institution. The Commission explained that its goal was to ensure clarity and credibility in the use of academic titles in public and professional spaces.
Oduro Osae’s Response
Oduro Osae quickly responded to the Commission’s request, submitting what he described as official academic documents and transcripts to verify his doctoral qualification. He publicly vowed to “fight back” against any suggestion that his title was invalid and emphasised that his credentials were authentic and earned.
In media interviews, he expressed concern that the matter had been sensationalised and stated that he would let the facts and official records speak for themselves.
Significance
The dispute has sparked national conversation about academic integrity and credential verification in Ghana’s public sector. GTEC’s stance underscores its mandate to protect academic standards and public trust. For public figures like Oduro Osae, it highlights the importance of transparency regarding titles and qualifications.
Current Status
As of late October 2025, Oduro Osae has formally submitted supporting documents to GTEC. The Commission is expected to review the materials and issue a final determination. Oduro Osae has indicated that he will continue to defend his academic reputation through proper channels.
FAQ
Q: Is Eric Oduro Osae a PhD holder?
Public profiles and institutional biographies list a Ph.D. among his qualifications. In October 2025, GTEC requested verification of his doctoral credentials; he has since submitted evidence and maintains that his title is valid.
Q: What did GTEC require from him?
GTEC requested authentic proof of his doctoral degree from a recognised institution to confirm the right to use the “Dr.” title in official contexts.
Q: What is his background in governance?
He has over two decades of experience in public financial management, local government administration, and internal audit reform, serving both national and international bodies.
