GTEC issues “final warning” on misuse of honorary academic titles – Nsemkeka
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has issued a “final warning” to individuals and public figures misusing honorary doctorate and professorial titles. The Commission emphasizes that such practices are unethical, misleading and undermine the integrity of Ghana’s higher education system.
In a statement signed by Deputy Director-General Prof. Augustine Ocloo, GTEC reiterated its earlier cautions, highlighting that the use of honorary titles like “Dr.” and “Prof.” by recipients of honorary awards is inappropriate. The Commission specifically addressed politicians, business leaders, religious figures and other public personalities, urging them to cease the public use of these titles.
“Such practice is deceitful and unethical and also tends to dilute the integrity of the higher education system, and the value of true doctoral education and promotion of the professorial system in the universities,” the statement read.
The warning comes after President John Dramani Mahama revoked the appointment of Anne Sansa Daly from the Board of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), in a move that has attracted significant public interest.
A letter from the Office of the President, dated May 23, 2025, and signed by Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, formally announced the revocation of Daly’s appointment with immediate effect and named Prof. Dr (Med) Ernest Yorke as Daly’s replacement.Â
The TV presenter had claimed without proof that she was a medical doctor.
GTEC warned that it would take stringent actions against individuals who flout this directive, including public disclosure of offenders and potential legal proceedings. This move aims to preserve the credibility of academic qualifications and maintain public trust in the nation’s educational standards.
The Commission’s mandate, under Section 8 (3)(d) of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), empowers it to regulate the use of academic titles and terminology. GTEC has observed a growing trend of individuals using honorary titles conferred by various institutions, both within Ghana and abroad, leading to public misinformation about their academic credentials.
While acknowledging the value of recognizing individuals for their contributions to society, GTEC insists that honorary degrees should only be conferred by accredited and recognized institutions within Ghana’s higher education system. Furthermore, recipients should not use these honorary titles as part of their official names or credentials.
The Commission urges all stakeholders to act responsibly and refrain from misusing honorary academic titles, emphasizing that such misuse diminishes the prestige of legitimate academic qualifications and erodes public trust in the educational system.