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Who Gets Called “Dr” in Ghana? A Deep Dive into Academic Recognition

8th June 2025

By Ferdinand Ellis

In Ghana, the title “Dr” carries prestige and authority—but who truly earns the right to use it? Ferdinand Ellis explores the academic, honorary, and cultural dimensions of the “Dr” title and the need to safeguard its integrity.

The Prestige of a Title—And the Confusion It Brings

In Ghanaian society, the title “Dr” evokes respect, expertise, and often, a seat at the policy table. But in the age of social media bios, honorary degrees, and fast-tracked promotions, the line between earned doctorate and symbolic recognition is becoming increasingly blurry.

This deep dive unpacks:

Who legitimately earns the “Dr” title
The different pathways to becoming a “Dr”
Why misusing the title matters for Ghana’s intellectual credibility

1. The Earned Doctorate: The Gold Standard

Who qualifies?

Anyone who has successfully completed:

A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or equivalent degree (e.g., EdD, DPhil, DBA)
At a recognized and accredited university
With original, peer-reviewed research

This is the highest academic degree, often requiring 3–6 years of study, supervised dissertation work, and a public defense (viva). Holders are automatically addressed as “Dr” in academic, professional, and public settings.

🔹 Examples:
Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum – Education Minister
Dr. Rose Mensah-Kutin – Gender Advocate & Researcher
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Medical Doctor & Communication Expert

2. The Medical Doctor: Clinical and Licensed

Medical practitioners who complete:

A Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
Followed by Housemanship and licensing

…are customarily addressed as “Dr” in Ghana, even though they hold a first professional degree rather than a doctorate.

🔹 Note: This usage is widely accepted, though technically distinct from a PhD.

3. Honorary Doctorates: Symbolic, Not Academic

Awarded by universities for:

Distinguished service
Philanthropy
Leadership in public life

However, honorary doctorate holders are not supposed to use the title “Dr” before their names, according to global academic conventions. In Ghana, this line is often blurred.

🔹 Example:
An entertainer or religious leader may receive a Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL) but still be addressed publicly as “Dr”—a practice discouraged by many academic bodies.

🛑 Best Practice: Use post-nominals like “(Hon. D.Ed)” rather than “Dr”.

4. The Rising Problem: “Dr” as a Status Symbol

From Instagram bios to billboards and church flyers, the “Dr” title is now frequently used without verification. Common concerns include:

Fake degrees from degree mills
Honorary titles being misrepresented as earned
Online short courses marketed as “doctorates”

GTEC and NAB have issued warnings about unaccredited foreign institutions awarding dubious doctoral degrees, particularly via distance learning schemes.

5. Institutional Position on the Title

Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC):

Recognizes only earned doctorates from accredited institutions.
Warns against misleading use of academic titles in public communication.

University of Ghana Style Guide:

Does not use “Dr” for honorary degree holders in official communications.

6. Social & Cultural Dimensions of “Dr” in Ghana

Why it matters:

In Ghana, “Dr” is more than a title—it’s a badge of legitimacy in public speaking, politics, and religious leadership.
Misuse diminishes public trust in genuine experts, particularly in education, health, and policy.

As Prof. George K.T. Oduro recently noted, “When we reduce academic titles to ornaments, we lose the compass of intellectual leadership.”

Recommendations for Clarity and Credibility

✔ For Institutions:

Clearly distinguish earned vs. honorary titles in all media.
Publish staff qualification audits regularly.

✔ For the Public:

Verify academic titles—especially from speakers, authors, and influencers.
Demand transparency on education credentials during public appointments.

✔ For Media:

Use the title “Dr” only for earned doctorates or licensed medical professionals.
Avoid granting “Dr” status in headlines without credential confirmation.

Conclusion: A Call to Uphold Academic Integrity

The title “Dr” must not become a fashionable prefix—it is a symbol of sacrifice, study, and scholarly service. As Ghana aspires to lead in science, policy, and innovation, we must protect academic distinctions from erosion.