The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has prohibited individuals from displaying honorary doctorate or professorship titles in public settings.
In a statement authored by Augustine Ocloo, the acting deputy director-general of GTEC, the commission announced it will start to identify, embarrass, and pursue legal action against anyone who contravenes this directive, especially politicians, business leaders, and religious figures.
Ocloo characterised this behaviour as “unethical and misleading,” stating that it damages Ghana’s higher education sector.
He further remarked that the widespread and deceitful use of honorary titles is diminishing the value of authentic academic accomplishments such as PhDs and professorships, which are attained through thorough research and peer acknowledgement.
“This notice goes especially to politicians, businessmen and businesswomen, men and women of God, and any other category of persons to desist from officially using the honorary doctorate and professorship titles in their everyday life,” the statement read.
This warning emerges amid increasing worries regarding “degree mills”—unaccredited institutions that sell fraudulent honorary degrees for a fee. Such titles are often employed to enhance personal status despite lacking academic validity.
