The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has warned against the rising misuse of academic titles such as “Doctor” and “Professor” by individuals who have not attained such qualifications through formal academic study.
In a statement issued on Monday [April 7, 2025], the Commission noted that the increasing practice of using honorary titles—often awarded by both local and foreign entities—poses a serious threat to the credibility of Ghana’s educational system.
“Honorary degrees are meant to honour outstanding societal contributions, but they do not amount to academic qualifications,” GTEC stated. “Using these titles in formal settings is both unethical and misleading.”
GTEC referenced the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), emphasising that the unauthorised use of academic titles is a direct violation of the law and undermines the integrity of genuine academic accomplishments.
The commission further asserted that only accredited institutions within Ghana’s tertiary education system are permitted to award honorary degrees, and even then, recipients are not to present themselves as having earned academic titles.
Cautioning the public, GTEC warned that using honorary labels in professional or academic settings may mislead students, scholars, and the general public, ultimately devaluing the hard-earned achievements of those with legitimate degrees.
Under Section 8(3)(d) of Act 1023, GTEC retains the authority to regulate academic nomenclature and is prepared to enforce sanctions against any individuals or institutions found violating the law.
Concluding the statement, GTEC called on stakeholders to protect the integrity of the academic community: “The continued abuse of honorary titles erodes public trust and disrespects the dedication of those who have earned their qualifications through formal education.”
