By: Alexander Afriyie
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has issued a stern warning to individuals who misuse honorary doctorates, cautioning them to refrain from using the title “doctor” in public. The commission’s Deputy Director-General, Prof. Augustine Ocloo, signed a letter addressed to Dr. Joseph Obeng, President of the Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA), highlighting the growing concern over the proliferation of honorary doctorates.
According to the letter, dated May 14, 2025, the GTEC expressed deep concern regarding the increasing prevalence of honorary doctorates conferred upon individuals by various institutions, both in Ghana and abroad. The commission deemed the appropriation of these honorary titles as part of an individual’s name unethical and in contravention of provisions outlined in the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), as well as other pertinent laws governing higher education in Ghana.
The GTEC emphasized that failure to comply with the directive would result in the commission invoking its regulatory functions to sanction the individual. The letter concluded with an appeal for cooperation from Dr. Obeng and others who have been awarded honorary doctorates.
This development comes as a surprise to many, as honorary doctorates have become increasingly common in Ghana. The GTEC’s move is seen as a bid to restore integrity to the academic system and prevent the misuse of academic titles. As the academic community awaits further clarification on the matter, one thing is clear: the GTEC is determined to uphold the value of academic credentials and ensure that honorary doctorates are not used to deceive or mislead the public. Alexander Afriyie