GTEC Issues Warning on the Misuse of Honorary Doctoral and Professorial Titles in Ghana

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has issued a formal warning regarding the increasing misuse of honorary doctoral and professorial titles in the country. The Commission has expressed concerns over a growing trend where individuals, both within Ghana and abroad, are adopting titles such as “Doctor” (Dr.) and “Professor” (Prof.) after receiving honorary degrees. GTEC has highlighted the potential negative consequences of this practice, emphasizing that it misleads the public and undermines the credibility of academic qualifications in Ghana’s higher education system.

In an official statement, GTEC made it clear that it considers the misuse of honorary titles as unethical, and it could significantly damage the reputation of the academic community. The Commission pointed out that honorary degrees, while valuable for recognizing exceptional contributions to society, are not equivalent to earned academic qualifications. GTEC warned that using these honorary titles as part of one’s official name creates confusion and misrepresents an individual’s true academic standing. Such actions, it argued, could lead to a loss of trust in the education system and diminish the public’s confidence in genuine academic achievements.

GTEC emphasized its responsibility to preserve the integrity of academic qualifications and safeguard the reputation of the nation’s higher education institutions. The Commission reiterated that honorary titles, though meaningful, should not be treated as academic credentials. It noted that such practices violate the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), and other laws that govern the education sector in Ghana, which prohibit the unauthorized use of academic titles.

The Commission acknowledged the importance of honoring individuals for their notable contributions to society, but it stressed that honorary titles must only be conferred by accredited and recognized institutions within Ghana’s educational framework. Furthermore, GTEC made it clear that once these honorary titles are awarded, they should not be used as part of a recipient’s name or credentials. This is because, according to GTEC, the use of honorary titles in this way can mislead the public about the person’s academic qualifications, thereby diminishing the value of actual doctoral education.

GTEC further explained that the growing trend of using honorary titles inappropriately is undermining the value of legitimate academic degrees. It argued that such actions cause confusion not only among students and academics but also within the wider society, as it becomes difficult to distinguish between individuals with genuine academic credentials and those who have been awarded honorary titles. This, in turn, compromises the public’s ability to make informed judgments about the qualifications of professionals and scholars.

In a broader context, GTEC reminded the public of its legal mandate, as outlined in Section 8 (3)(d) of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act. This section empowers the Commission to regulate the use of academic titles and terminology, including terms such as “Doctor,” “Professor,” “University,” and “Emeritus.” Through this legal framework, GTEC seeks to ensure that the use of academic titles is consistent with established standards and that only those who have earned legitimate academic qualifications are entitled to use them.

The Commission is calling for compliance from both individuals and institutions, urging them to adhere to these regulations to maintain the integrity of Ghana’s academic qualifications. GTEC warned that any further misuse of honorary titles could result in significant harm to the reputation of Ghana’s higher education system. The Commission stated that it reserves the right to impose sanctions or take regulatory action against individuals or institutions found violating the guidelines on the use of academic titles.

By issuing this warning, GTEC seeks to protect the credibility of Ghana’s educational system and ensure that the value of authentic academic qualifications is not diluted. The Commission is urging all stakeholders to act responsibly and refrain from misusing honorary titles. Through its actions, GTEC hopes to foster a culture of academic integrity, which will benefit students, academic institutions, and the general public by reinforcing the importance of earned academic accomplishments over honorary recognition. Ultimately, GTEC aims to ensure that academic titles and qualifications retain their true meaning and value, thus contributing to the advancement of higher education in Ghana.