AHPC orders members to ignore GTEC's restrictions on the use of ‘Dr.’ title ‎

The Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) has instructed its members to ignore any directives from external institutions attempting to restrict the use of professional doctoral titles awarded under its mandate.

‎In a public notice dated August 28, the Council reminded practitioners that it is the sole statutory body empowered under the Health Professions Regulatory Bodies Act, 2013 (Act 857) to regulate training, practice and the recognition of professional titles within the Allied Health profession.

‎“Allied Health Professionals are hereby advised to disregard any directive, pronouncement, or publication from any institution or body that seeks to undermine or prohibit the use of professional doctoral titles duly earned without recourse to the Council,” the notice stated.

‎The directive comes in response to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission’s (GTEC) notice of August 8, which raised concerns over the use of the prefix “Dr.”. In a statement dated August 20, 2025, the AHPC said it had formally engaged GTEC on the matter and called for broad consultation and collaboration to ensure allied health professionals receive full recognition under the law.

‎The AHPC affirmed that practitioners who have completed council-accredited professional doctoral programmes remain “fully entitled to the recognition and use of their professional titles.” It urged members to uphold their designations with dignity and pride while maintaining the highest standard of care to the public.

‎“We call on all Allied Health Professionals to continue to uphold their titles with dignity and pride, and to remain focused on delivering the highest standard of care to the public,” the Council noted, adding that it “stands resolute in defending the integrity of your qualifications, the honour of your profession, and the confidence of the public you serve.”

‎The Council assured professionals that it will continue to safeguard their rights, protect their professional identity and engage stakeholders constructively on matters affecting allied health in Ghana.