In recent years, Ghana’s public space has witnessed a surge in the use of the prestigious title “Dr.”
From billboards and church posters to political campaigns and academic circles, the prefix has become increasingly visible; sometimes for the wrong reasons.
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), the body mandated to regulate tertiary institutions and uphold academic standards, has raised a red flag.
The Commission insists that only individuals who have earned accredited doctoral degrees from recognised academic or professional institutions are entitled to the title.
In academia, the “Dr” prefix is rightly reserved for holders of research-based doctoral degrees such as PhD. Medical Doctors (MDs), Pharmacists (PharmD), Optometrists (ODs), and other professional doctorate holders. More importantly, these qualifications must be obtained from accredited and recognised universities.
The confusion often arises with honorary doctorates. While these awards acknowledge distinguished contributions to society, they do not amount to academic achievement. International best practice dictates that such recipients do not prefix their names with “Dr,” but instead indicate “Honoris Causa.”
It is therefore unfortunate that a growing number of honorary doctorate holders, and sometimes even outright fake degree recipients, have adopted the “Dr” title.
Some unaccredited institutions, often in collaboration with questionable foreign entities, have been found issuing dubious honorary degrees in exchange for money.
In 2022, GTEC issued a stern warning, reminding the public that “titles in academia are not decorative ornaments but symbols of rigorous scholarship.”
The misuse of the title undermines genuine academic work and confuses the public. Employers, students, and even the media struggle to distinguish between substantive and honorary titles, thereby creating a credibility crisis.
While some may dismiss this trend as harmless, the consequences can be grave. It is important to emphasise that in professional spaces such as medicine, academia, and law, misrepresenting credentials is tantamount to fraud.
Already, individuals have been exposed and ridiculed for parading as “Drs” or “Professors” without any substantive doctoral training, suffering reputational damage.
The Ghanaian Times joins GTEC in urging the public to verify academic titles and credentials before according recognition. Similarly, employers and professional bodies must also consult the Commission whenever in doubt.
Academic titles must be earned through dedication, research, and verified learning. Society must therefore protect the integrity of higher education by refusing to glorify those who seek shortcuts.
The “Dr” or “Professor” debate may continue to spark conversations in churches, politics, and academia, but one truth remains unshaken: in Ghana, the prefix must stand as a mark of earned distinction, not borrowed prestige.