The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has unveiled a comprehensive national policy aimed at ending the widespread abuse, commercialisation, and improper conferment of honorary degrees by tertiary institutions across the country.
Signed by GTEC Director-General Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai and issued on December 8, 2025, the policy warns that the unchecked proliferation of honorary awards—often facilitated by unaccredited bodies and questionable collaborations—is threatening academic integrity and tarnishing Ghana’s international reputation.
Backed by the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), the new framework establishes rigorous national standards for all public and chartered private universities. It affirms GTEC’s authority to investigate, query, or sanction institutions that violate the rules.
Under the policy, unaccredited institutions, mentored colleges, and external bodies lacking approval are strictly barred from conferring honorary degrees in Ghana. GTEC stressed that any such awards will not be recognised.
The Commission also prohibits universities from granting honorary degrees in exchange for donations, political favours, or material influence. Institutions that confer honorary degrees excessively or without merit will be queried and could lose their right to award such degrees.
A key highlight of the directive is a ban on the misuse of honorary titles. The policy clearly states that recipients of honorary degrees cannot use the title “Dr.”, and institutions are required to issue guidance to prevent misrepresentation. Any recipient who misuses the title risks having their award withdrawn.
To promote transparency, institutions must document all nomination and vetting processes, conduct integrity checks, and maintain formal registers of all honorary degrees conferred. GTEC reserves the right to withdraw any award that was improperly granted or based on fraudulent information.
Describing the policy as a crucial intervention, GTEC said it is designed to “protect the integrity of Ghana’s higher education system,” prevent the commercialisation of honorary awards, and restore public confidence in academic honours. The policy is effective immediately.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
