By Stephen Apolima | 17 May, 2025
Accra, Ghana – In an era where education is a crucial pillar of national development, the prestige associated with academic titles such as “Doctor” should not be taken lightly—nor should it be allowed to fall into the realm of casual or misleading appropriation. Recent developments have brought to light the need for a broader public conversation about the ethical use of honorary and academic titles in Ghana, especially in public life.
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) deserves commendation for taking a bold step to uphold academic integrity. In a letter dated May 14, 2025, GTEC wrote to a prominent trade leader who has been using the title “Dr.”—a title the Commission questions in terms of its legitimacy and public presentation. The Commission highlighted its concern about the growing trend of individuals adopting the “Doctor” title from honorary degrees and using them as though they were earned through rigorous academic research and scholarship.
This move by GTEC should not be seen in isolation. Rather, it should serve as a wake-up call to institutions, public figures, and policymakers alike. If we are to build a society grounded in truth and excellence, we must protect the sanctity of academic titles.
In this spirit, it is fair and necessary to extend similar scrutiny to all public figures, including Members of Parliament and political leaders, who proudly brandish the “Dr.” prefix. While no accusations are being made, it is in the public interest to ask clarifying questions when such titles are used. The people deserve to know whether a title was earned through rigorous academic work or granted honorarily—and whether it is being used in a manner consistent with ethical norms and national regulations.
Take, for example, the MP for Awutu Senya East, Hon. Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor. Her use of the “Dr.” title in public discourse and campaign materials has not gone unnoticed. As a public servant, transparency is a core tenet of the office she holds. It is entirely appropriate for constituents and regulatory bodies to seek clarity on the academic origins of such a title, especially in light of GTEC’s renewed emphasis on proper academic representation.
This is not a witch-hunt; rather, it is a call for consistency, accountability, and respect for Ghana’s educational institutions. It is about safeguarding a culture that values genuine scholarship, not merely the appearance of it. When titles are misused, intentionally or otherwise, it dilutes the achievements of those who have sacrificed time and resources to earn them.
To that end, perhaps it is time for Parliament, political parties, and the Electoral Commission to collaborate with GTEC and other stakeholders to establish clear guidelines for how academic and honorary titles are presented in official and political settings. This would remove ambiguity, enhance public trust, and promote merit-based recognition.
Ultimately, GTEC’s action is not just about one individual. It is about affirming national standards and ensuring that titles reflect truth, not just status. Let us all rise to the challenge of protecting the dignity of our academic and professional titles—for the sake of integrity, and for the generations to come.
The writer is a concerned citizen and advocate for academic integrity and public accountability.
Academic work and research may have some correlation in some successful businesses. But corruption, greed and the love for money has diluted the quality and sanctity of many academic institutions such that, they are willing to confer unwarranted titles to wealthy business people for monetary benefits.
The Writer should find a task for himself and stop this irrelevant course.
More, honorary “ Dr” and academic “Dr” are these two in fight of bread and better? If not a sponsored article task the writer has been awarded, he simply could have made his submission without mentioning names.
The writer is a man of bitter and painful hearted.
I am of the opinion that The GTEC should rather smock out people like himself from academia.