The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has strongly condemned the increasing trend of individuals acquiring honorary doctorate degrees and fraudulent academic certificates from unaccredited institutions. According to UTAG, this practice undermines the integrity of Ghana’s higher education system and erodes public trust in academic qualifications.
In a statement signed by UTAG President Prof. Mamudu A. Akudugu and Secretary Prof. Eliasu Mumuni, the association expressed grave concern over the abuse and misrepresentation of honorary titles.
“These actions not only trivialise the rigorous scholarly processes associated with legitimate academic qualifications but also erode public trust in higher education and its regulatory institutions,” the statement noted.
UTAG emphasized that the misuse of unearned academic titles, especially when used for professional advancement, public deception, and influence peddling, poses a serious threat to the credibility of higher education.
UTAG pledged its full support to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) in regulating, monitoring, and sanctioning individuals and organisations involved in academic fraud.
The association commended GTEC’s recent public statements and enforcement actions and urged an intensification of efforts, including legal prosecution of offenders.
“We commend your recent public statements and actions taken against such malpractices and urge you to intensify the clampdown,” UTAG stated.
UTAG also encouraged the general public to be cautious and verify academic claims before offering recognition or platforms to individuals.
The association advised skepticism toward self-styled “doctorates” or “professorships” that are not backed by accredited processes or are awarded solely for ceremonial purposes.
Furthermore, UTAG called on the Ministry of Education and GTEC to strengthen public education about the meaning, limits, and appropriate use of honorary degrees.
UTAG urged universities in Ghana to adopt clear internal guidelines for awarding honorary degrees and to ensure proper communication of their non-academic status to recipients and the public.
The statement reiterated that academic titles must be earned, not purchased, and should reflect the high standards of scholarship and service that they represent.
UTAG reaffirmed its commitment to working with GTEC and other stakeholders to preserve the credibility of Ghana’s academic institutions and safeguard the integrity of the knowledge society.
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