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The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has raised alarm over the growing trend of individuals acquiring and parading honorary doctorate degrees and fraudulent academic certificates from unaccredited institutions, describing the practice as a serious threat to the integrity of Ghana’s higher education system.
In a statement signed by its President, Prof. Mamudu A. Akudugu, and Secretary, Prof. Eliasu Mumuni, UTAG said the abuse of such titles has become widespread, with individuals using them for professional advancement, public deception, and influence peddling.
“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 association warned.
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UTAG expressed full support for the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) in its ongoing efforts to clamp down on fraudulent academic titles. It urged the commission to intensify monitoring, regulation, and sanctions against offenders, including pursuing legal prosecution where necessary.
“We commend your recent public statements and actions taken against such malpractices and urge you to intensify the clampdown,” the statement said.
The association also called on public institutions, civil society organisations, and the media to verify academic claims before offering recognition or platforms to individuals.
It further encouraged the public to remain skeptical of self-styled “doctorates” or “professorships” not backed by accredited academic processes or those awarded purely for ceremonial purposes without proper distinction.
UTAG also appealed to the Ministry of Education and GTEC to strengthen public education on the meaning, limitations, and appropriate use of honorary degrees, while urging universities to adopt clear guidelines on awarding such honours and properly communicating their non-academic status.
“Academic titles must be earned, not purchased, and their use must reflect the high standards of scholarship and service that they represent. We remain available to collaborate with GTEC in preserving the credibility of our academic institutions and safeguarding the integrity of the knowledge society we are all working to build,” UTAG concluded
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