The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has announced plans to clamp down on individuals parading themselves with fake honorary doctorate degrees as earned doctorate degrees, warning that offenders will face prosecution.

According to GTEC, the rising trend of unaccredited institutions awarding honorary doctorates—and the subsequent use of such titles by unsuspecting or complicit recipients—poses a serious threat to the credibility and integrity of Ghana’s academic system.

So far, the Commission has taken issues with Hassan Ayariga, Leader and Founder of All People's Party, Joseph Obeng, President of Ghana Union Traders Association, Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East and Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), Mr. Sofo Rashid Tanko-Computer, among others, for the use of honorary doctorate as earned doctorates.    

In a statement issued this week at a press conference, Ahmed Jinapor, Director-General of GTEC, emphasised that only accredited institutions have the legal mandate to confer academic titles, and even then, honorary degrees do not entitle recipients to be addressed as "Dr."

“Honorary doctorates are symbolic recognitions and not academic qualifications.

Recipients must refrain from using them as professional titles,” the Commission stated.

GTEC said it is collaborating with the Ghana Police Service and relevant stakeholders to investigate individuals and institutions involved in issuing or accepting such fraudulent awards.

Offenders found guilty of impersonation or academic fraud could face legal action, including fines or imprisonment.

The Commission has also advised the public to verify the accreditation status of any institution offering such degrees, and encouraged organisations and event organisers to exercise due diligence when recognising individuals with academic titles.