By: tntnewspapergh.com

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) expresses its deep concern regarding the increasing prevalence of Honorary Doctorate degrees and Professorship titles that are conferred upon individuals by various Institutions, both within Ghana and abroad. In light of this trend, the Commission has observed the use of the titles Doctor (Dr.) and Professor (Prof.) by recipients of such awards.

These practices are deemed misleading and serve to misinform both the Academic community and the general public. Consequently, the Commission seeks to clarify its position on this matter for the benefit of the public and those affected.

Award of Honorary Degrees: Honorary degrees are conferred judiciously and strategically to individuals of exceptional achievement and distinguished service, whose contributions align with and enhance the values and mission of the conferring institution.

While the Commission acknowledges and encourages the responsible recognition of distinguished individuals by higher education institutions, it asserts that such honours should only be conferred by accredited and duly recognised institutions within the realm of Ghanaian higher education.

FURTHERMORE, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THESE TITLES ARE NOT APPENDED TO A RECIPIENT’S NAME AS PART OF THEIR CREDENTIALS.
The appropriation of these honorary titles as part of the name of any recipient is deemed unethical and contravenes several provisions of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), as well as other pertinent laws governing higher education in Ghana.

The Mandate of GTEC: Section 8 (3) d of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act mandates the Commission to regulate the use of higher education nomenclature and titles, including “university”, “college”, “Emeritus”, “Professor”, “Doctor”, “Chartered”, and related terms. Thus, the Commission, in its pursuit to uphold the integrity of Ghanaian tertiary education, appeals to the general public and institutions within the Ghanaian higher education landscape to collaborate in this endeavour.

In light of these concerns, the Commission implores individuals to exercise personal responsibility regarding this issue and refrain from using these titles as part of their names. Higher education institutions are advised to exercise restraint in the conferral of these honours, as we collectively honour and promote partnerships with our stakeholders to develop and maintain the integrity of Ghanaian higher education.
Conclusion: To safeguard the integrity of Ghana’s higher education system and to uphold its deserved credibility and respect, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission demands that all stakeholders refrain from the misuse of honorary academi: titles.

Where persistency to deliberately set aside this request is observed, the Commission shall reserve the right to evoke its regulatory functions to sanction the individuals and/or institutions involved that ultimately seek to dilute the value of true Doctoral education and potentially mislead students, academia and the general public.
Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai
Director -Centred,GTEC