By Isaac FRIMPONG (Ph.D.)
In May 2025, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) directed Dr Joseph Obeng, President of the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA), to stop using the title “Doctor”. According to GTEC, the designation was based on an honorary doctorate, not an earned academic qualification. Supporters argued that the honorary title was a recognition of Dr Obeng’s long-standing leadership and public service. But GTEC’s position is clear: honorary titles, while valuable as symbols of recognition, do not confer the academic authority that the title “Dr” implies.
This directive has added urgency to a broader issue. Recently, an individual reportedly lost a job for using a false doctoral title, while questions have also been raised about the trustworthiness of certain online doctoral programmes. These stories reflect a growing public concern about the proliferation, misuse and devaluation of academic qualifications. This article contributes to the conversation by examining the distinctions, cultural perceptions, and institutional responsibilities surrounding academic titles in Ghana.
What Is a Doctorate?
A doctorate is the highest academic qualification awarded by a university. Earned doctorates, such as PhD, EdD, and MD, require years of study, original research, and rigorous examination. Honorary doctorates, by contrast, are a symbol of recognition for notable contributions to society and do not involve academic work or study.
Globally, honorary degree recipients are advised not to use the “Dr” prefix in professional settings. In Ghana, however, the separation is not always clear, contributing to confusion, proliferation and misuse of academic titles.
GTEC’s Legal Mandate
Under the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), GTEC regulates academic titles. Section 8(4)(d) mandates it to monitor and sanction misuse of titles such as “Doctor”, “Professor”, “University”, and similar academic designations. GTEC’s directive to Dr Obeng was not the first; it had previously cautioned other individuals and institutions about similar issues.
Critics question whether GTEC is applying the rule selectively, targeting high-profile individuals, or is genuinely trying to uphold academic standards. It may be doing both, fulfilling a legal obligation while responding to broader concerns about protecting academic credibility.
Ghana’s Cultural Attachment to Titles
In Ghana, titles such as “Dr”, “Professor”, “Reverend”, Sheikh and “Bishop” carry immense social weight. They signal status, credibility and achievement. As a result, there is a strong desire to obtain and publicly display titles, including honorary ones, as a symbol of personal success.
This attachment has historical roots. Some observers connect it to colonial legacies and post-independence class systems, where formal education became a key route to prestige. Unfortunately, this pattern persists. It is not usual for well-known individuals who have made meaningful contributions to society to feel incomplete without a formal title. Others point out the tendency to over-amplify imported norms. For example, a short course at Oxford or Harvard often attracts more attention than a full degree from a Ghanaian university.
Even among those with earned doctorates, the insistence on being addressed as “Dr” in all settings suggests how deeply titles are tied to personal identity and social recognition. A simple question, such as “What is your name?”, can receive a response: “Dr Isaac Frimpong”, instead of Isaac Frimpong.
Why It Matters
Using an honorary title as if it were earned has consequences:
-
It diminishes the achievements of those who have spent years completing rigorous academic training.
-
It misleads the public, particularly in contexts where expertise and qualification matter.
-
It devalues the legitimacy of academic institutions and their certifications.
In a country where qualifications influence access, trust, and authority, ensuring clarity around titles is essential for public integrity.
“Some Ghanaian qualifications are already being questioned abroad.”
An Opportunity for Public Education
This issue is partly one of awareness. Many Ghanaians, including public figures, may not know that honorary doctorates do not entitle the use of “Dr” as a prefix. Universities themselves often do not communicate this when awarding such honours.
GTEC’s action should be viewed as an opportunity for public education. It highlights that academic standards matter, not just for students, but for society at large. At the same time, universities, the media and professional organisations can play the following role:
-
Universities should explain the limitations of honorary titles during award events.
-
Media outlets should avoid using “Dr” for honorary recipients unless clarified.
-
Professionals should use titles they have formally earned.
-
Alternative recognitions can be adopted for holders of honorary degrees.
