The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has issued a stern warning against the public use of honorary doctorate and professorship titles, particularly by politicians, business leaders, and religious figures.
In a statement signed by Augustine Ocloo, the Acting Deputy Director-General of GTEC, the commission said it will begin identifying, publicly exposing, and taking legal action against anyone found using such titles in official or public settings.
Ocloo described the practice as “unethical and misleading,” warning that it undermines the integrity of Ghana’s higher education system.
He emphasized 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 stressed.
The crackdown comes amid rising concerns about “degree mills”—unaccredited institutions that sell honorary degrees in exchange for money, allowing recipients to boost their social image without academic merit.