Accra Metropolitan University (Accra Met) has announced a landmark achievement in its digital transformation agenda with the adoption of blockchain-secured digital and paper academic certificates. This initiative positions the University among the world’s most forward-thinking higher-education institutions, joining global leaders such as the University of Oxford and Imperial College London in deploying advanced, tamper-proof credential technologies.
In a stakeholder engagement in London, Accra Met—together with the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT)—reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening academic integrity and safeguarding the authenticity of qualifications. The meeting, facilitated by Mr. Andy Lumor, Head of the Secretariat for Public Universities in Ghana (London), highlighted Ghana’s national vision to promote secure digital certification across all tertiary institutions.
Ghana is currently the only country globally to adopt Blockchain Paper® as the national standard for printed academic certificates. This world-first achievement underscores the country’s dedication to combating academic fraud, enhancing trust, and protecting the global reputation of Ghanaian educational qualifications. Accra Met’s decision aligns with this national direction and reinforces its leadership in digital innovation.
Why Blockchain Certification?
Academic fraud is a growing worldwide challenge. UNESCO estimates that the global fake degree industry has expanded to US$22 billion, while over 50,000 fraudulent PhDs are produced annually. Modern universities must therefore deploy advanced verification technologies to protect the integrity of academic awards.
Blockchain credentialing provides a powerful, tamper-proof solution with the following advantages:
• Unalterable digital and paper-based certificates
• Instant global verification through smartphone scanning
• Protection against forgery and document manipulation
• Proof of institutional authenticity and issuance
• Enhanced confidence for employers, regulators, and international partners
Benefits to Students, Employers, and the Education Sector
Accra Met’s adoption of blockchain-secured certification brings wide-reaching benefits:
1. Highest Level of Security
Blockchain Paper® certificates integrate crypto-seals, holograms, watermarks, QR verification layers, and other advanced authentication features.
2. Instant Verification Anywhere in the World
A simple scan confirms authenticity, eliminating delays associated with manual verification.
3. Enhanced Student Mobility
Graduates receive secure digital certificates, micro-credential badges, and verifiable printed documents that can be shared globally in seconds.
4. Improved Administrative Efficiency
The system provides automated issuance, secure digital archives, and streamlined record management processes.
5. Alignment with Global Best Practices
Accra Met joins more than 200 global institutions using similar technologies to safeguard academic qualifications and strengthen international trust.
Strengthening Ghana’s Leadership in Digital Education
This initiative further cements Ghana’s position as a pioneer in educational innovation, transparency, and credential security. For employers, accreditation agencies, foreign universities, and global collaborators, the move provides exceptional assurance of the credibility of degrees issued by Accra Met.
The rollout of blockchain-secured certificates signals Accra Met’s commitment to advancing technological excellence, protecting the achievements of its students, and contributing to Ghana’s reputation as a leader in trusted academic qualification systems.