GhArticles.com Every News in Detail
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has announced a new national policy designed to stop the widespread abuse, commercialisation, and improper conferment of honorary degrees by some tertiary institutions in the country.
The policy, signed by the Director-General of GTEC, Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, and issued on December 8, 2025, warns that the uncontrolled spread of honorary awards often issued by unaccredited organisations or through questionable partnerships, is eroding academic integrity and harming Ghana’s international image.
GTEC explained that the new framework, backed by the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), sets strict national standards that all public universities and chartered private institutions are required to follow. It also affirms the Commission’s authority to probe, query, or sanction any institution that violates these guidelines.
Under the directive, unaccredited institutions, mentored colleges, and external bodies without formal approval are completely prohibited from conferring honorary degrees in Ghana. GTEC stressed that any such awards issued by these entities will not be recognised.
The Commission further highlighted that institutions are not permitted to grant honorary degrees in exchange for donations, political influence, or material favours. Universities that appear to issue honorary degrees excessively or without clear merit will face investigation and may have their privilege to award such honours suspended.
A major point in the policy is the misuse of honorary titles. The directive makes it clear that recipients of honorary degrees cannot use the title “Dr.” Institutions are required to educate awardees to prevent misrepresentation. Any recipient who uses the title improperly risks having the honorary award revoked.
To ensure transparency and accountability, institutions must document all nomination and vetting procedures, conduct proper due diligence including integrity checks and keep an official record of all honorary degrees conferred.
GTEC also reserves the right to withdraw any award that was granted without due process or based on fraudulent information.
Described as a necessary step, GTEC noted that the policy is intended to protect the integrity of Ghana’s higher education system, prevent the commercialisation of academic honours, and restore public confidence in honorary awards.
The Commission said the policy takes immediate effect.
