GTEC Introduces Tough National Policy to Curb Abuse of Honorary Degrees
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has unveiled a new nationwide policy designed to tackle the increasing misuse, commercialisation, and improper awarding of honorary degrees by some tertiary institutions.
The policy, issued on December 8, 2025 and signed by GTEC’s Director-General, Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, raises concern over the uncontrolled spread of honorary awards, many of which are being issued through unaccredited bodies or questionable institutional partnerships. According to GTEC, these practices are eroding academic standards and threatening Ghana’s global academic reputation.
Backed by the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), the new framework sets out strict national guidelines that all public universities and chartered private institutions must comply with. It also reinforces the Commission’s authority to investigate, query, or sanction any institution that violates the rules governing honorary award conferrals.
Under the policy, unaccredited institutions, mentored colleges, and external organisations without formal approval are prohibited from granting honorary degrees. GTEC made it clear that any honorary award issued by such entities will not be recognised in Ghana. Additionally, the Commission warned that universities must not offer honorary degrees in return for donations, political favours, or material benefits. Institutions that frequently or unjustifiably issue these awards will face disciplinary action and may temporarily lose the right to confer them.
A key feature of the directive is the strict guidance on the use of honorary titles. Recipients of honorary degrees, the policy states, are not permitted to adopt the title “Dr.” for professional or public use. Institutions must educate awardees on this rule, and any misuse of the title could lead to the withdrawal of the honour.
To promote transparency, universities are required to document every stage of the nomination and vetting process, conduct integrity checks, and maintain updated registers of all individuals who receive honorary degrees. GTEC also retains the power to revoke awards that were improperly granted or based on false information.
Describing the measure as timely and essential, GTEC said the policy aims to protect the credibility of higher education, prevent the monetisation of honorary titles, and restore public trust in academic honours. The policy takes immediate effect.
