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

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. Article visualizations: