GTEC rolls out enterprise measures to curb misuse of honorary titles – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction: Addressing Academic Credential Erosion

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has unveiled a series of enforced protocols to combat the alarming trend of individuals misusing honorary doctorate and professorial titles. These titles, often awarded by non-accredited institutions, are increasingly being appended to professional profiles, business cards, and social media accounts, misleading the public and undermining academic credibility. GTEC’s directive, issued December 2025, marks a pivotal step in safeguarding Ghana’s educational standards and trust in professional certifications.

Key Points: What the Directive Entails

Enforcement of Legal Frameworks

GTEC’s actions stem from Clause 8(3)(d) of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020, which grants the Commission authority to regulate higher education titles. Institutions falsifying credential validity or individuals misrepresenting honorary distinctions now face legal consequences, including fines and accreditation revocation.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Sanctions apply to two fronts: (1) Individuals who exploit honorary titles for unethical gain in professional or academic contexts; (2) Institutions issuing honorary degrees outside recognized frameworks. Penalties include monetary fines, public censure, and exclusion from future collaborations with accredited bodies.

Institutional Accountability

GTEC mandates that only recognized universities and colleges—listed in the Official Register of Accredited Institutions—may award educational honors. Non-compliant entities risk losing their approval to confer degrees, per executive orders.

Background: The Rise of Honorary Title Misuse

Honorary degrees, intended to honor distinguished service or achievements, have surged in frequency, with over 40% of recent recipients lacking disclosed accreditation details (GTEC, 2025). This proliferation stems from predatory private universities and foreign diploma mills, often charging exorbitant fees for symbolic titles. Critics argue that conflating honorary distinctions with formal graduate or doctoral qualifications misleads employers and academic committees, creating systemic fraud risks in hiring and admissions.

Analysis: Implications for Ghana’s Education Sector

Protecting Academic Integrity

By clarifying that honorary doctorates and professorial titles are symbolic—never equivalent to earned credentials—GTEC aims to restore trust in Ghana’s higher education system. Dr. Benedicta Amihere, GTEC spokesperson, stated, “These titles honor achievement but cannot substitute for rigorous, curriculum-based training.”

Deterrent Equity Challenges

Enforcement faces hurdles. Many honorific recipients operate informally: street vendors, politicians, or entrepreneurs. GTEC plans to collaborate with banks and professional associations to flag fraudulent credentials during accreditation processes for loans or certifications.

Global Precedents and Adaptability

This aligns with Nigeria’s 2021 National Universities Commission (NUC) policy banning honorary degrees unless approved by regulatory bodies. However, Ghana’s approach introduces private-sector accountability, a novel angle in West African academic governance.

Practical Advice: Navigating Compliance

For Individuals:

• Audit Existing Credentials: Remove honorary titles from CVs, LinkedIn, or business signage unless approved by GTEC.
• Verify Institutional Credibility: Cross-check awarding bodies against GTEC’s Registered Institution List.
• Consult Legal Experts: Those already penalized should seek legal counsel to avoid escalation.

For Educational Institutions:

• Establish Clear Criteria: Honorary degrees should recognize non-academic achievements (e.g., philanthropy, innovation) with GTEC’s prior approval.
• Transparency Mandate: Publish detailed protocols for awarding distinctions on institutional websites.

FAQs

Q: Are all honorary degrees illegal under the new rules?

A: No. Titles awarded by accredited Ghanaian or internationally recognized institutions (e.g., Oxford, Harvard) remain valid. GTEC focuses on blocking unverified or “diploma mill” credentials.

Q: What penalties exist for false title usage?

A: Sanctions include GHC 5,000 fines, public reprimands in national media, and exclusion from government contracts, per Section 42(a)(2) of Act 1023.

Q: Can foreign honorary titles be challenged in Ghana?

A: Only if awarded by non-accredited institutions. GTEC advises cross-referencing international titles with the Education Community’s International Register.

Q: How to report non-compliance?

A: Submit evidence (e.g., advertisements, CVs) to GTEC via their online portal or 0303234567, triggering an audit.

Conclusion: Collective Responsibility for Academic Trust

GTEC’s campaign underscores a cultural shift toward valuing earned, not purchased, credibility. While critics argue enforcement may be rigid, legal GTEC advisor Kwesi Boateng emphasizes: “This protects public interest. Precision in credentials isn’t bureaucracy—it’s citizenship.”