The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has cautioned individuals against attaching honorary titles such as Doctor (Dr.) or Professor (Prof.) to their names, stating that it is inappropriate.
While GTEC is not opposed to the conferring of such honorary titles by accredited institutions, it has expressed concern over recipients incorporating these titles into their names.
In a press release, GTEC described the use of such honorary titles as part of one’s name as “unethical” and a violation of its regulations.
“While the Commission acknowledges and encourages the responsible recognition of distinguished individuals by higher education institutions, it asserts that such honours should only be conferred by accredited and duly recognised institutions within the realm of Ghanaian higher education.”
“The appropriation of these honorary titles as part of the name of any recipient is deemed unethical and contravenes several provisions of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), as well as other pertinent laws governing higher education in Ghana.”
The Commission also noted that using honorary titles in names causes confusion between honorary recognitions and academic achievements, which can lead to misinformation among both the academic community and the general public.
“These practices are deemed misleading and serve to misinform both the academic community and the general public.”
GTEC further emphasised the importance and intent behind honorary degrees.
“Honorary degrees are conferred judiciously and strategically on individuals of exceptional achievement and distinguished service, whose contributions align with and enhance the values and mission of the conferring institution.”
Below is the full statement:
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Story by: Gabriel Tecco Mensah | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by: Cindy Selasi Humade
