Natalie Nyathi
In a significant move aimed at preserving the integrity of its academic system, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has issued a directive banning the public display of honorary doctorate and professorship titles. This decision highlights growing concerns over the ethical implications of misusing such titles and their impact on genuine academic achievements.
The announcement was made through an official statement signed by Deputy Director-General Professor Augustine Ocloo. GTEC emphasized that the practice of flaunting honorary titles is not only misleading but also detrimental to the reputation of Ghana’s higher education institutions. The directive specifically warns that individuals who continue to use these titles publicly will face repercussions, including public exposure and potential legal action.
GTEC has condemned the use of honorary titles as “unethical and misleading.” The commission argues that this practice undermines the value of legitimate academic qualifications, particularly those earned through rigorous research and peer-reviewed processes. The misuse of honorary titles is seen as a direct affront to the accomplishments of those who have genuinely earned their PhDs and professorships.
One of the key points raised by GTEC is the “rampant and fraudulent” display of honorary titles, which erodes the significance of authentic academic credentials. The proliferation of these titles not only diminishes the achievements of legitimate scholars but also fosters a culture where academic qualifications are devalued. This can have far-reaching implications for the educational landscape in Ghana, where the credibility of higher education is paramount.
The directive comes in the wake of a public incident involving Anne Sansa Daly, who had her appointment to the Board of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) revoked by President John Dramani Mahama after she claimed to be a medical doctor without proof. This incident has attracted significant public interest and highlights the urgency of GTEC’s warning.
The commission’s warning is particularly directed at politicians, business leaders, and religious figures—individuals often seen publicly flaunting such titles. GTEC’s statement serves as a reminder that honorary titles should not be used in everyday life or official capacities, as they can mislead the public and tarnish the reputation of the education system.
To reinforce this directive, GTEC announced that it would take stringent actions against individuals who violate these guidelines. Potential consequences include public disclosure of offenders and legal proceedings. This proactive approach aims to preserve the credibility of academic qualifications and maintain public trust in the educational standards of the nation.
The directive also comes in response to increasing concerns about “degree mills” in Ghana—unaccredited institutions that offer honorary degrees in exchange for monetary fees, without any academic prerequisites. These entities contribute to the proliferation of fraudulent academic titles and exacerbate the problem of misinformation surrounding educational qualifications.
GTEC’s mandate is supported by Section 8 (3)(d) of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), which empowers the Commission to regulate the use of academic titles and terminology. The Commission has observed a troubling trend of individuals misrepresenting their academic credentials through the use of honorary titles conferred by various institutions, both locally and internationally.
While GTEC acknowledges the importance of recognizing individuals for their societal contributions, it insists that honorary degrees should only be awarded by accredited institutions within Ghana’s higher education framework. Furthermore, recipients are urged not to incorporate these honorary titles into their official names or credentials.
GTEC is urging all stakeholders to act responsibly and refrain from misusing honorary academic titles. The Commission emphasizes that such misuse diminishes the prestige of legitimate academic qualifications and erodes public trust in the educational system.
In conclusion, GTEC’s final warning serves as a critical reminder of the importance of maintaining academic integrity in Ghana. By addressing the misuse of honorary titles, the Commission aims to protect the value of genuine academic achievements and uphold the standards of higher education in the country. This issue is not limited to Ghana alone; countries such as Nigeria and Sierra Leone also face similar challenges in combating the misuse of honorary degrees, highlighting the need for a collective effort to uphold academic standards across the region.