We’re addressing ‘honorary’ title abuse, not targeting politicians – GTEC Boss

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has clarified that its efforts to regulate the use of honorary academic titles are not politically motivated, but part of a broader campaign to restore integrity within the academic community.

Professor Ahmed Abdulai Jinapor, GTEC’s Director-General, responded to criticisms suggesting that recent directives were aimed at politicians.

He explained that the goal is to protect the academic space from misuse of titles such as “Doctor” and “Professor.”

“Our position is to sanitise and regulate the tertiary educational space. There are a lot of people who claim to be professors when they are not, and we’re not going to renege on our efforts. It’s not about politics,” Prof. Jinapor said.

He noted that the issue cuts across different sectors and is not limited to public officials. According to Prof. Jinapor, while many individuals comply once contacted, a few persist in misusing academic designations despite repeated warnings.

GTEC has recently directed MP Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor and Sofo Rashid Tanko of GIFEC to stop using the title “Doctor,” citing lack of academic qualification.

The Commission maintains that honorary titles should be acknowledged for societal contributions but should not be confused with earned academic credentials.

As the crackdown continues, GTEC insists it is standing firm to protect the credibility of Ghana’s academic institutions for the benefit of future generations.