GTEC Warns Against Misuse of Honorary Academic Titles in Ghana

By
Ellis Ferdinand
-
GTEC Warns Against Misuse of Honorary Academic Titles in Ghana

Ferdinand | EducationGhana |  April 11|GTEC Warns Against Misuse of Honorary Academic Titles in Ghana

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) raises concerns over the increasing misuse of honorary titles like “Doctor” and “Professor,” urging institutions and individuals to uphold academic integrity and avoid misleading practices.

 

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has issued a strong warning regarding the increasing misuse of honorary titles such as “Doctor” and “Professor.” The Commission cautioned both individuals and institutions to refrain from appending these titles to their names and credentials unless they have been formally earned through legitimate academic achievement.

In a press statement signed by Professor Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, the Director-General of GTEC, the body expressed its concerns about the growing trend of individuals using honorary doctoral and professorial titles as if they were genuine academic qualifications. GTEC described this practice as misleading and unethical, stressing that it contravenes provisions outlined in the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023).

“While the Commission acknowledges and encourages the responsible recognition of distinguished individuals, it asserts that such honours should only be conferred by accredited and duly recognized institutions within the realm of Ghanaian higher education,” the statement read.

GTEC further clarified that while honorary degrees are granted to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to society, these titles should not be used as part of one’s formal credentials. The Commission emphasized that doing so is illegal and undermines the integrity of Ghana’s academic system.

Under Section 8 (3)(d) of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, GTEC is tasked with regulating the use of academic titles and nomenclature, including terms like “university,” “college,” “Emeritus,” “Professor,” “Doctor,” and “Chartered.” The Commission appealed to both the public and institutions within Ghana’s higher education sector to uphold ethical standards when conferring and using these titles.

“To safeguard the integrity of Ghana’s higher education system and to uphold its deserved credibility and respect, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission demands that all stakeholders refrain from the misuse of honorary academic titles,” stated Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, Director-General of GTEC.

The Commission also warned that institutions and individuals who continue to misuse these titles risk facing regulatory sanctions. This move aims to protect the reputation of Ghana’s academic institutions and ensure that titles reflect genuine academic achievement rather than honorary recognition.

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GTEC’s call for restraint in the use of honorary academic titles underscores the importance of maintaining the credibility and trustworthiness of Ghana’s higher education system, ensuring that titles are reserved for those who have earned them through merit.

The move will not only alleviate the financial pressures faced by trainees but also promote their academic success and professional development. As the government continues to roll out these and other initiatives, Ghana’s future looks bright, with a commitment to the well-being of its citizens at the core of all policies.

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