Fake doctoral and professorial titles are on the rise in Ghana, prompting the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to step in and restore order.

Increasingly, individuals are presenting themselves as “Dr.” or “Professor” without the academic qualifications to justify those titles.

In response, GTEC has launched a campaign to curb the trend and protect the integrity of the country’s academic and professional standards.

At the close of the second quarter of this year, GTEC announced plans to flush out fake doctoral and professorial titles from the Ghanaian system.

The Commission’s Director-General, Professor Abdulai Jinapor, described the trend as “deceptive and unacceptable.”

Despite the warning, many individuals continued using the titles, sparking a nationwide debate over academic fraud and integrity.

Honorary titles misused

Many title abusers are recipients of honorary doctorates — often from unaccredited institutions.

While such awards are intended to recognise achievements, they are increasingly misused in Ghana as if they are earned academic degrees.

Few recipients clarify their status by adding the appropriate “h.c.” (honoris causa), but many still adopt the title “Dr..,” eroding the value of legitimate academic qualifications.

False professorships

Another layer of fraud involves individuals who serve briefly as visiting professors abroad, then return to Ghana and continue using the title “Professor.”

This sidesteps the academic progression required for associate or full professorship.

Others adopt the title after teaching in foreign systems — such as in the United States — where “professor” is used broadly, even for junior faculty.

These distinctions are rarely explained to the public.

Why the problem persists

This issue is fueled by a culture that values titles over competence.

In Ghana, academic credentials carry prestige and open doors to jobs, promotions, and political opportunities.

This status-driven culture pressures individuals to acquire titles at any cost, often without critical scrutiny from employers, the media, or the public.

Lax regulation has also contributed. Until recently, many institutions failed to verify credentials thoroughly. Online "degree mills" have made fraudulent titles even more accessible.

Some tertiary institutions have employed faculty with questionable qualifications, while media houses have unknowingly platformed such individuals — further legitimising their false claims.

Recommendations for reform

To combat the spread of fake academic titles, GTEC must adopt a multi-pronged approach that includes stronger enforcement, tighter internal controls, and broad public education.

Policy and enforcement

1. Create a central academic registry in partnership with universities and professional bodies.

2. Verify both local and foreign credentials, referring forged documents for prosecution.

3. Enforce legal sanctions using powers under the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023).

4. Audit public sector workers with foreign qualifications.

5. Introduce verification fees to fund continuous oversight.

6. Require universities to audit staff qualifications, including visiting lecturers.

Public awareness

1. Clarify earned vs. honorary degrees through public campaigns.

2. Ensure media outlets fact-check academic titles before publication or broadcast.

3. Issue guidelines on honorary degrees, with penalties for misuse by recipients or institutions.

Inter-Agency and global cooperation

1. Strengthen collaboration with professional bodies.

2. Pursue international partnerships, especially with credential-verifying bodies and Interpol, to track diploma mills.

Conclusion

The misuse of academic titles threatens the integrity of Ghana’s educational and professional institutions.

While GTEC’s recent crackdown is a step in the right direction, sustained change will require a collective effort — from government, academia, media, and the public.

In a society where titles still open doors, Ghana must decide whether those titles will continue to reflect real achievement — or a culture of deception.