In recent years, Ghana's academic landscape has witnessed a troubling trend: the increasing misuse of academic titles such as "Doctor" and "Professor" by individuals who have not undergone the formal academic processes required to earn such distinctions. This growing phenomenon has raised alarms within the educational sector, prompting regulatory authorities to take action.

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), tasked with overseeing and regulating tertiary education in the country, has voiced strong concerns about this practice. At the heart of the issue is the widespread conferral of honorary degrees by both local and international bodies—many of which lack proper accreditation or operate outside the bounds of Ghana’s regulatory framework. While honorary degrees are traditionally awarded as a symbolic gesture to recognize exceptional societal contributions, they are not equivalent to academic credentials obtained through structured study, research, and rigorous assessment.

GTEC emphasizes that the use of such honorary titles in professional and academic settings is not only misleading but also poses a significant threat to the credibility and integrity of Ghana’s educational system. This trend undermines the achievements of individuals who have invested years in academic pursuit and may also mislead the public, including students and aspiring scholars, about the nature of academic success.

The commission cites the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), which clearly defines the legal parameters for the use of academic titles and the responsibilities of educational institutions. Section 8(3)(d) of this Act grants GTEC the authority to regulate the conferment and usage of academic nomenclature and to take disciplinary actions against any violations.

In response to the situation, GTEC has reaffirmed its stance: only accredited institutions within Ghana’s tertiary education sector are authorized to confer honorary degrees, and even then, recipients must not represent themselves as having earned academic credentials. The Commission’s warning serves as both a regulatory and moral appeal to uphold academic integrity, preserve public trust in the education system, and honor the genuine efforts of Ghana’s academic community.