GTEC cracks down on unauthorised use of “Professor” title; Issues directives to 2 individuals

The Commission’s actions follow a broader warning issued on May 30, 2025, where GTEC condemned the misuse of honorary doctorates and professorships as “deceitful and unethical,” particularly by politicians, business leaders, and public figures.

In letters dated June 17, 2025, and signed by Deputy Director-General Professor Augustine Ocloo, GTEC called out Prof. Williams Abayaawien Atuilik of Heritage Christian University and Prof. Edward Dua Agyeman, former Board Chairman of the Ghana Audit Service, for their continued use of the title “Professor.” The Commission expressed concern that such titles lacked formal academic validation and risked misleading the public.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission wishes to formally express its concern regarding the use of academic titles that have not been duly earned or conferred through a recognized academic process,” the letters stated. GTEC emphasised that the practice “undermines the credibility of the higher education system.”

Both individuals were instructed to submit documentary evidence of their appointments as professors by recognised institutions, including formal letters of promotion. Failure to comply would require them to “cease the use of the title ‘Professor'” and remove it from all public platforms, including official documents, websites, and letterheads.

GTEC reiterated its commitment to upholding academic integrity, warning of legal consequences for non-compliance. “The Commission would, from now onwards, in addition to naming and shaming of those individuals who [flout] the GTEC directives, take legal action against them,” its earlier statement read.

The latest directives mark a significant step in GTEC’s campaign to curb the misuse of academic honours, a move welcomed by stakeholders advocating for stricter adherence to Ghana’s tertiary education standards.