The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has expressed 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.

It said it had observed that the use of such titles are misleading to the academic community and so it was seeking clarification on the issue for the benefit of the public.

“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,” it said.

GTEC also stated that honorary degrees are conferred judiciously and strategically to individuals of exceptional achievements and distinguished service, and whose contributions align with and enhance the values and mission of the conferring institution.

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

According to a GTEC statement, the appropriation of honorary titles as part of the name of the recipient is 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," it stated.

The commission implores individuals to exercise personal responsibility regarding the issue and refrain from using such titles as part of their names, adding that “Commission demands that all stakeholders refrain from the misuse of honorary academic titles.”

Also, higher education institutions are advised to exercise restraint in the conferral of the honours to collectively honour and promote partnerships with stakeholders to develop and maintain the integrity of Ghanaian.

The commission, in pursuit of ensuring integrity, said it will reserve the right to evoke its regulatory functions to sanction the individuals and institutions involved in such acts that seek to dilute the value of true doctoral education and potentially mislead students, academia and the general public.

Read the full statement below:



VA/AE

Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children's dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below: