- GTEC launches strict policy to stop abuse and commercialisation of honorary degrees
- Unaccredited institutions and external bodies barred from issuing honorary awards
- Universities prohibited from granting honorary degrees in exchange for donations or influence
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has rolled out a new national policy designed to curb the increasing misuse, commercialisation, and improper awarding of honorary degrees by some tertiary institutions in the country.
The policy, signed by GTEC Director-General Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai and released on December 8, 2025, cautions that the unchecked spread of honorary awards — often orchestrated through unaccredited entities and questionable partnerships — is eroding academic credibility and harming Ghana’s global reputation.
According to GTEC, the framework is supported by the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023) and introduces strict national guidelines that all public universities and chartered private institutions must adhere to. It also confirms the Commission’s legal mandate to investigate, question, or sanction any institution that violates these regulations.
The directive prohibits unaccredited institutions, mentored colleges, and external bodies without official approval from conferring honorary degrees in Ghana. Any awards issued under such circumstances will not be recognised.
The Commission further stressed that honorary degrees must not be granted in return for donations, political favours, or material benefits. Institutions that award honorary degrees excessively or without proper justification will face scrutiny and may have their privilege to confer such honours suspended.
A key component of the policy is the strict rule governing the misuse of honorary titles. It explicitly states that honorary degree holders are not permitted to use the title “Dr.” and requires institutions to provide clear guidance to prevent misrepresentation. Any individual who misuses the title risks having their honorary degree revoked.
To promote accountability, institutions are required to document all nomination and vetting procedures, conduct thorough background and integrity checks, and keep an official record of all honorary degrees awarded.
GTEC also retains the authority to withdraw any honorary award that was improperly conferred or based on fraudulent information.
Describing the policy as timely and essential, GTEC said its purpose is to safeguard the integrity of Ghana’s higher education system, halt the commercialisation of honorary awards, and restore public trust in academic honours.
