Ghana Bans Public Use of Honorary Doctorate and Professorship Titles

In a move to protect the integrity of its academic system, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has officially barred citizens from publicly using honorary doctorate degrees and professorial titles. The commission described the widespread use of such titles, particularly by politicians, religious leaders, and business figures — as unethical, deceptive, and damaging to the nation’s educational values.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, GTEC’s Acting Deputy Director General, Professor Augustine Ocloo, warned that the commission would begin naming and shaming individuals who flout the directive and initiate legal action where necessary. He stressed that honorary academic titles should not be used as professional designations in public life or official engagements.

“This notice goes especially to politicians, businessmen and businesswomen, men and women of God, and any other category of persons to desist from officially using the honorary doctorate and professorship titles in their everyday life,” the statement read.

GTEC expressed concern that the abuse of honorary titles not only misleads the public but also undermines the credibility of genuine doctoral and professorial achievements earned through rigorous academic research and scholarly contribution.

Honorary degrees are typically awarded by universities to individuals in recognition of their societal contributions or accomplishments outside academia. However, the proliferation of degree mills offering such titles for a fee has contributed to the inflation and misuse of these distinctions.

The commission warned that this growing trend has diluted the academic sanctity of Ghana’s higher education system and threatened to erode public trust in legitimate academic credentials.

As the crackdown begins, GTEC has called on institutions, media platforms, and the general public to support the campaign by refusing to recognise or promote individuals using unearned academic titles.