The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has called on the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to intensify efforts to combat the proliferation of fake academic degrees and titles, including taking legal action against offenders.
In a statement issued UTAG expressed serious concern over what it described as the growing misuse and misrepresentation of honorary doctorates and fraudulent academic credentials.
The Association warned that the trend not only undermines the integrity of Ghana’s higher education system but also disrespects the hard work of genuine academics.
“We have noted the grave concern the increasing abuse and misrepresentation of such honorary titles, particularly when used for professional advancement, public deception, and influence peddling. These actions not only trivialize the rigorous scholarly processes associated with legitimate academic qualifications but also erode public trust in higher education and its regulatory institutions,” the statement read.
UTAG urged GTEC to strengthen its regulatory oversight and pursue legal prosecution where necessary, stressing that punitive sanctions alone are insufficient. According to the association, legal deterrents must be implemented to curb the rising incidence of academic fraud.
This appeal comes amid an upsurge in individuals flaunting fake academic titles to gain public influence, professional legitimacy, and media attention often without proper scrutiny.
UTAG cautioned that this creates a false benchmark for academic achievement and misleads the public.
The association pledged its full support to GTEC in restoring credibility to the sector and called on universities and other stakeholders to actively uphold academic standards.
It further recommended the establishment of clear internal policies on the conferral of honorary degrees, with explicit public communication to distinguish them from earned academic qualifications.
