Mahama Sacks Ambulance Service Boss Amid Academic Title Controversy

President John Dramani Mahama has removed Dr. Nuhu Zakaria from his position as Chief Executive Officer of the National Ambulance Service, in a move that has stirred public conversation amid growing concerns about academic integrity in Ghana’s public institutions.

While no official reason has been provided by the presidency, the dismissal comes shortly after the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) raised red flags over Dr. Zakaria’s alleged misuse of an academic title.

GTEC had cited several individuals, including Zakaria, for using unverified credentials or academic designations they had not formally earned—a report that sparked calls for stricter oversight across state agencies and public service appointments.

Dr. Zakaria’s name surfaced in a recent GTEC inquiry into the use of honorary and unverified titles across various public institutions. The Commission stressed the importance of preserving academic integrity and warned that individuals found using unearned qualifications risked damaging both their reputations and the credibility of the offices they hold.

Although it remains unclear whether the GTEC report directly influenced President Mahama’s decision, the timing of Zakaria’s dismissal has raised speculation about a possible link.

“This could be part of a broader effort to uphold ethical standards in public service,” said one governance analyst. “Even if unofficial, the signal is loud and clear—accountability is non-negotiable.”

The presidency has not issued a formal statement detailing the cause of Zakaria’s removal, leaving room for public interpretation. Critics argue that more transparency is needed in such high-profile dismissals, while others commend the move as a quiet but firm response to growing concerns over academic misrepresentation in government.

Zakaria’s role at the National Ambulance Service placed him at the helm of an institution critical to emergency healthcare delivery—a sector where public trust and competence are paramount.

This latest development adds fuel to ongoing national conversations around the vetting and verification of public officials. It also amplifies calls from civil society for the enforcement of clear guidelines to prevent the misuse of titles such as “Dr.” or “Prof.” by individuals without accredited qualifications.

GTEC’s report has been hailed as a step in the right direction, with many urging the government to act decisively on its recommendations to restore faith in public institutions.