The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) on April 7, 2025, expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of honorary doctorate degrees and professorship titles conferred upon individuals by various institutions, both within Ghana and abroad.

It said it had observed that the use of such titles was misleading to the academic community and therefore, sought clarification on the matter for the benefit of the public.

According to GTEC, honorary degrees are conferred judiciously and strategically on individuals of exceptional achievement and distinguished service whose contributions align with and enhance the values and mission of the awarding institution.

While the Commission acknowledges and encourages the responsible recognition of such individuals by higher education institutions, it stressed that these honours should only be conferred by accredited and duly recognised institutions within Ghana's higher education framework.

GTEC stated that the appropriation of honorary titles as part of a recipient's name is unethical and contravenes provisions of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), as well as other laws governing higher education in Ghana.

The Commission, therefore, urged individuals to exercise personal responsibility and refrain from using such titles as part of their names.

Following this directive, GTEC has accused several individuals, including Members of Parliament, a former presidential candidate and some government officials, of not meeting the standards for the academic titles they currently hold.

Below is the list of eight public figures being pursued by the Commission

Hassan Ayariga, Former presidential candidate

GTEC is demanding proof of a doctorate from the Leader of the All People's Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga, over what it described as his questionable use of the title "Doctor."

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Speaking at a press conference in Accra, Professor Ahmed Abdulai Jinapor, Director-General of GTEC, said Ayariga had made inconsistent claims about his academic qualifications.

"We made it clear to him that we are not interested in honorary titles. What we are asking for is evidence of an earned, accredited academic PhD," Prof Jinapor stated.

According to him, Ayariga once claimed to hold a PhD in Business Management with a thesis in Political Science and at another time, a PhD in Political Science with a thesis on Political Tolerance.

"He mentioned having two honorary doctorates and what he called a platinum doctorate.

"None of these claims has been supported with valid academic documents," Prof Jinapor added.

The Commission noted that despite sending Ayariga several informal messages and four official letters, no documentation had been provided.

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Ayariga, however, has defended his use of the “Dr” prefix, insisting he has three doctorates, two honorary and one earned.

He accused GTEC of tarnishing his reputation and threatened to sue the Commission.

"I woke up this morning, and all I could hear on social media is that GTEC says I cannot use my Doctorate Degree. I ask, how? I didn't get any letter from GTEC, so how did they come to that conclusion?" he questioned during an interview.

Rashid Tanko-Computer

In a letter dated June 3, 2025, GTEC instructed Sofo Rashid Tanko-Computer, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communication (GIFEC), to cease using the title "Doctor."

Tanko-Computer had claimed to have acquired a PhD from Kingsnow University in 2016.

However, GTEC's letter described the degree as "unearned."

He has been directed to remove the title from all official records, websites, institutional profiles and other professional representations, and to provide proof that it has been withdrawn.

Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor

The Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East has reportedly received an official notice from GTEC urging her to stop using the title "Doctor."

According to the Commission, she has no verifiable academic credentials to justify the title and must desist from using it in all official and public communications.

Desmond De-Graft Paitoo

The lawmaker for Gomoa East has also been written to by GTEC and directed to stop using the "Dr" title until he clarifies whether it was earned or honorary, discloses the awarding institution and outlines the conferment process.

Kwame Adom-Frimpong

A board member of the Internal Audit Agency, Adom-Frimpong, has been asked to provide a formal appointment or promotion letter from a recognised academic institution confirming his professorial status.

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Until such evidence is provided, he has been ordered to desist from using the title "Professor."

Joseph Obeng

On May 17, 2025, GTEC directed Dr Joseph Obeng, President of the Ghana Traders Union Association (GUTA), to immediately stop using the "Dr." title.

The Commission said there was no record of him being awarded such a degree and warned that continued use of the title would attract disciplinary measures.

Edward Dua Agyeman

Former Board Chairman of the Ghana Audit Service, Edward Dua Agyeman, has also been cautioned over his use of the title "Professor."

In a June 17, 2025, letter, GTEC requested documentary proof of his appointment or promotion to the professorial rank by a recognised institution.

In response, Dua Agyeman argued that a PhD is not a mandatory requirement for being made a professor.

He claimed the title can also be conferred based on substantial expertise, contributions and achievements in academia and professional practice.

He emphasised that much of his life had been devoted to teaching, research and scholarly publications.

Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah

Deputy Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan, Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has been cautioned against presenting herself as a professor.

According to GTEC, documents submitted by her solicitors contained inconsistencies.

A letter from the University of Utah, signed by Prof W Bradford Rockwell, confirmed that Ayensu-Danquah was appointed an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Surgery and not Assistant Professor as she claimed.

GTEC stressed that omitting the term "adjunct" could mislead the public, adding that under Ghana's academic framework, an Adjunct Assistant Professor is equivalent to a part-time lecturer and not a professor.

"Based on the above, the Commission concludes that Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah does not hold the title of Professor in any capacity," the letter stated.

The Commission has therefore warned her to desist from using the title, or risk legal action for public deception.

AM/SEA

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