The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has initiated an inquiry into the use of the title “Dr.” by Joseph Obeng, President of the Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA). This action stems from GTEC’s observation of Mr. Obeng’s consistent usage of the honorific and their concern regarding the proliferation of honorary doctorates, both within Ghana and internationally. The Commission’s formal request, conveyed in a letter dated May 14, 2025, seeks clarification on the specifics of Mr. Obeng’s doctoral award, including the process by which it was conferred, the timeframe, and the awarding institution. This inquiry underscores GTEC’s broader concern regarding the legitimacy and proper usage of such titles.
The crux of GTEC’s concern rests on the ethical implications and potential legal violations associated with the use of honorary doctorates as formal titles. The Commission’s letter explicitly states its position that incorporating honorary titles, such as “Dr.”, into one’s official name is unethical and contravenes provisions within the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), as well as other relevant legislation governing higher education in Ghana. This highlights the Commission’s commitment to upholding the integrity of academic titles and ensuring compliance with established regulations within the tertiary education sector.
GTEC’s letter to Mr. Obeng serves as a direct admonition, advising him to refrain from using the title “Dr.” as part of his name, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility in adhering to ethical standards and legal requirements. This directive underscores the Commission’s proactive approach to addressing the issue of misrepresented or misused academic titles and reinforces its mandate to regulate and maintain quality within Ghana’s higher education landscape. The letter further conveys a veiled warning of potential consequences should Mr. Obeng fail to comply with the directive, although the specific nature of these repercussions remains undisclosed.
The Commission’s action against Mr. Obeng serves as a significant instance of their commitment to maintaining the integrity of academic titles and reflects a broader concern about the increasing prevalence of honorary doctorates. GTEC’s stance emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between earned academic doctorates, achieved through rigorous scholarly work and research, and honorary doctorates, which are conferred as a mark of recognition or respect, but do not represent the same level of academic achievement. This distinction is crucial for preserving the value and credibility of academic qualifications within the educational system.
The ongoing interaction between GTEC and Mr. Obeng highlights the broader debate surrounding the legitimacy and appropriate usage of honorary doctorates. While such awards are intended to acknowledge significant contributions to a specific field or to society as a whole, the increasing frequency of their conferral, often by institutions with questionable academic standing, has raised concerns about their potential devaluation. GTEC’s proactive stance in this matter aims to establish clear guidelines for the use of these titles, protecting the integrity of earned academic qualifications and ensuring that the public is not misled by the inappropriate use of such honorifics.
This case underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability within the system of awarding and recognizing honorary degrees. Clearer regulations and stricter enforcement are necessary to prevent the misuse of these titles and maintain public trust in the value and significance of academic qualifications. GTEC’s actions signal a move towards greater scrutiny and regulation in this area, aiming to safeguard the integrity of Ghana’s higher education system and uphold the standards of academic excellence. The outcome of this specific case will likely set a precedent for future instances and contribute to shaping a more robust framework for the conferral and usage of honorary titles within Ghana.
