The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has raised concern over the increasing misuse of honorary titles such as “Doctor” and “Professor,” cautioning both individuals and institutions against using these honours as part of their official identities or credentials.
According to a press release signed by Director-General Professor Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, the Commission is concerned about the growing trend where individuals treat honorary doctoral and professorial titles as though they were earned academic qualifications.
GTEC described this behavior as unethical and misleading, adding that it violates the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023).
While acknowledging the importance of recognizing distinguished individuals for their achievements and contributions, GTEC stressed that such honours must be conferred only by accredited and officially recognized institutions within Ghana’s higher education system.
The Commission clarified that honorary degrees are meant to celebrate exceptional service or accomplishment but do not qualify recipients to use these titles in formal or professional settings.
Under Section 8 (3)(d) of Act 1023, GTEC is mandated to regulate the use of academic titles and designations, including terms like “university,” “college,” “Emeritus,” “Professor,” “Doctor,” and “Chartered.”
The Commission emphasized the need for all stakeholders in the education sector to uphold ethical standards and respect the rules governing academic titles.
GTEC has called on the public and institutions to take personal responsibility and act with restraint in the use of honorary titles.
It warned that continued misuse could result in regulatory sanction
