Accra, July 25, 2025 – The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has announced a crackdown on the fraudulent use of academic titles, warning that individuals who falsely parade themselves as “Doctor” or “Professor” without meeting approved academic criteria will face prosecution.
The move comes amid a growing trend of individuals assuming academic titles awarded by unaccredited institutions or claiming honorary degrees as if they were formally earned.
At a press briefing, GTEC Director-General, Professor Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, described the misuse of such titles as “deceptive and unacceptable,” adding that the Commission is determined to protect the integrity of Ghana’s academic system.
“This situation has become a matter of serious concern,” Prof. Abdulai said.
“We started by issuing a warning, followed by a reminder, and we are currently engaging in naming and shaming. If these measures do not work, we will prosecute one or two individuals to serve as a deterrent.”
Only Accredited Institutions Can Confer Titles
GTEC reminded the public that only institutions accredited by the Commission are authorised to confer academic titles, including honorary degrees. Even then, recipients of honorary degrees must not use such distinctions as academic credentials—for instance, using “Dr.” as a prefix.
Prof. Abdulai stressed that honorary degrees do not equate to academic doctorates, and those who misuse such titles to gain social, political, or professional advantage are engaging in fraudulent misrepresentation.
Crackdown Strategy: Education, Warnings, Prosecution
The Director-General outlined GTEC’s three-pronged strategy to address the problem:
- Public Awareness and Advocacy
- Warnings and Naming-and-Shaming
- Legal Action Against Offenders
“It is not an event—it is a process,” he explained, adding that GTEC is currently collaborating with law enforcement to prosecute offenders under existing fraud and misrepresentation laws.
Restoring Trust in Academia
GTEC’s initiative aims to restore credibility to Ghana’s higher education landscape, which has been undermined by the proliferation of degree mills and unregulated institutions.
The Commission urged employers, media houses, and the general public to verify academic titles and qualifications before assigning respect, trust, or responsibility to individuals claiming them.
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