Logo of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG)
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has strongly condemned the growing trend of individuals flaunting honorary doctorate degrees and fraudulent academic certificates from unaccredited and questionable institutions.
In a recent press release, UTAG expressed grave concern about the abuse and misrepresentation of such titles, particularly when used for professional advancement, public deception, and influence peddling.
The Association warned that these actions trivialise the rigorous processes associated with acquiring genuine academic qualifications and undermine public trust in higher education and its regulatory bodies.
“Academic titles must be earned, not purchased, and their use must reflect the high standards of scholarship and service they represent,” the statement stressed.
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UTAG declared its full support for the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) in its efforts to regulate and sanction individuals and organisations involved in the misuse of fake academic titles.
“UTAG fully supports the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) in its efforts to regulate, monitor, and, where necessary, sanction individuals and organisations involved in the proliferation and misuse of fake academic titles,” the statement said.
It commended GTEC’s recent public statements and enforcement actions, while urging the Commission to intensify the clampdown, including the pursuit of legal prosecution where necessary.
The Association further appealed to public institutions, civil society, and the media to verify academic claims before granting recognition or platforms to individuals.
It also advised the general public to treat with scepticism any self-styled “doctorates” or “professorships” not backed by accredited academic processes or clearly defined as ceremonial.
UTAG called on the Ministry of Education and GTEC to strengthen public education on the meaning, limits, and appropriate use of honorary degrees.
It urged universities to establish clear guidelines on awarding honorary degrees and to properly communicate their non-academic status to both recipients and the public.
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Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding academic integrity, UTAG pledged to collaborate with GTEC in preserving the credibility of Ghana’s academic institutions and protecting the integrity of the knowledge society.
Read full statement below
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