AN ANALYSIS OF THE SECURITY FEATURES ON UNIVERSITY CERTIFICATES IN GHANA: A CASE OF SOME SELECTED PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

Authors

  • Bernice Worlanyo Nyadzi Academic and Student Affairs, University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, Ghana https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1525-4639
  • Kwamina Kurefi Edonu MFA in Communication Media Arts (Candidate), Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v11i8.5465

Keywords:

tertiary institution, universities, certificate, security features, forgery and counterfeiting

Abstract

This study examines the security features integrated into academic certificates issued by five public universities in Ghana: The University of Ghana (UG), Legon, University of Cape Coast (UCC), Cape Coast, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, University for Development Studies (UDS), Tamale, and University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa. The research aims to identify the existing security features, evaluate the control processes used to maintain certificate authenticity and compare these features against international standards to determine their effectiveness in preventing forgery. Through a comprehensive analysis, this paper provides insights into how these institutions safeguard the integrity of their academic qualifications. The study reveals that Ghanaian universities employ a variety of traditional and modern security features in the production of academic certificates and the application of control processes to protect the integrity of their academic certificates. The inclusion of the holder's date of birth and photograph on certificates from UMaT, though less common among the rest of the specimens, offers additional security benefits. While these measures are largely effective, the adoption of advanced technologies such as blockchain could further enhance security. Aligning with international standards not only prevents forgery but also facilitates global recognition of Ghanaian academic qualifications.

 

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Author Biographies

  • Bernice Worlanyo Nyadzi, Academic and Student Affairs, University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, Ghana https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1525-4639

    Bernice Worlanyo Nyadzi is an Assistant Registrar at the Academic and Student Affairs Unit at the University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa. Her research interests are Educational Administration and Leadership, Educational Planning and Policy Analysis, Curriculum Development, Quality Assurance, Educational Finance and Human Resource Development.

  • Kwamina Kurefi Edonu, MFA in Communication Media Arts (Candidate), Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA

    Kwamina Kurefi Edonu was the Head of the Audio Visual Unit at the University of Mines and Technology. He is pursuing an MFA in Communication Media Arts at Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA. His research interests are Interactive Design, Information Graphics/Data Visualization, Cartography, Education, Design Innovation, and Drawing and Illustration.

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Published

2024-07-05

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 8 (2024)

Section

Articles

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