The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has announced a crackdown on individuals flaunting fake honorary doctorate degrees as legitimate qualifications. The Commission has firmly warned that those found guilty of this deception will face prosecution under the law.
The announcement comes in light of an alarming rise in unaccredited institutions issuing honorary doctorate degrees, leading to a disturbing trend where recipients, whether misled or complicit, misuse these titles. GTEC has identified this practice as a significant threat to the credibility of Ghana’s educational system and is determined to address the issue head-on.
At a recent press conference, Ahmed Jinapor, GTEC’s Director-General, highlighted the urgency of the situation while naming several notable figures who have been called out for misrepresenting honorary doctorates as earned qualifications. Among them are Hassan Ayariga, Leader and Founder of the All People’s Party; Joseph Obeng, President of the Ghana Union Traders Association; Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor, an NDC Member of Parliament; and Sofo Rashid Tanko-Computer. The Commission has cited their use of honorary titles without proper regard for their actual academic grounding as grounds for concern.
According to Jinapor, only accredited institutions possess the legal authority to confer academic titles. He clarified that while honorary degrees serve as a form of symbolic recognition, recipients must avoid presenting themselves with such accolades as if they were legitimate academic credentials. “Honorary doctorates are symbolic recognitions and not academic qualifications. Recipients must refrain from using them as professional titles,” he stated firmly.
In a proactive measure, GTEC is collaborating with the Ghana Police Service and other relevant stakeholders to investigate those involved in both the issuance and acceptance of fraudulent academic awards. The Commission has made it clear that legal repercussions await offenders engaged in impersonation or academic fraud, potentially facing hefty fines or imprisonment for their actions.
Furthermore, GTEC has taken the initiative to advise the public on the importance of verifying the accreditation status of educational institutions before accepting degrees from them. They have also urged organisations and event planners to conduct thorough checks before honoring individuals with academic titles.
This decisive action by GTEC marks a significant step towards maintaining the credibility of higher education in Ghana, ensuring that genuine academic achievements are respected and recognized while protecting the integrity of the academic community.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
