Ghana’s higher education watchdog has taken decisive action against the popular yet controversial practice of using honorary doctorates and professorship titles in public—a move that has drawn attention beyond its borders, including Thailand, where academic integrity is a valued aspect of education and social status. The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) recently issued a directive restricting the public use of these titles, underpinning concerns about rising academic title abuse that threatens the credibility of the country’s education system. As Thailand grapples with its own educational reforms and the social importance attached to academic qualifications, this development offers fresh vantage points for local readers keen on honest academic recognition.
According to a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director-General of GTEC, the commission is concerned that the widespread misuse of honorary titles—most notably by politicians, religious leaders, and business figures—undermines the integrity of Ghana’s academic framework (Business Insider Africa). The statement explicitly called the practice “deceitful and unethical,” cautioning that continued abuse erodes the long-standing value afforded to genuine academic accomplishments.
The background to this move is the growing public dissatisfaction with what many see as the blurring of lines between academic achievement and honorary recognition, a concern not unfamiliar in Thailand. Doctoral degrees such as the PhD represent rigorous academic achievement, earned only after years of study, original research, and peer validation. Similarly, the title of professor reflects a career built on scholarly contributions and international recognition. In contrast, honorary degrees are symbolic awards, often granted by universities to acknowledge societal impact or non-academic achievement—and are not meant to be used as formal qualifications.
GTEC’s directive specifically urges politicians, businesspeople, spiritual leaders, and other influential individuals to refrain from adopting honorary ‘doctor’ or ‘professor’ titles in their official dealings and public life. The commission made it clear that while honorary recognition has its place, the titles must not be conflated with those that signify academic merit or be used to gain undue credibility or authority.
A key factor driving this policy is the alarming proliferation of so-called “degree mills”—dubious or unaccredited bodies that sell honorary degree certificates for a fee. This trend has made it increasingly easy for individuals to buy such distinctions, contributing to a dramatic surge in self-styled “Doctor” or “Professor” titles that have little or no scholarly foundation. Education officials in Ghana describe this as a direct threat to the sanctity of their academic institutions and a potential cause for public confusion and mistrust.
Many experts have weighed in on the issue. A leading university administrator explained in a public interview, “Awarding honorary titles is an important tradition, but using such titles as if they represent earned scholarly qualifications misleads society and diminishes authentic academic success.” Another academic from one of Ghana’s top universities commented to local media, “Honourary degrees are a way to celebrate impactful leaders. However, it is crucial for the public to distinguish between honorary and earned academic credentials to sustain trust in our educational system.” These perspectives echo sentiments in Thailand, where university titles still hold significant social capital and can shape career prospects and public credibility.
For Thailand, Ghana’s bold policy shift presents food for thought. Academic titles in Thai culture are also highly respected, often used formally in both the public and private spheres. Earning a “doktor” or “Ajarn” (professor) title is a source of personal and family pride. However, there have been occasional controversies involving the questionable awarding and use of such honors by prominent Thais, sparking periodic debate regarding the clarity and regulation of academic recognition (Bangkok Post. Ghana’s action highlights the need for transparent, merit-based systems to preserve institutional trust.
Historically, honorary degrees in many countries—including Thailand—stem from the tradition of universities honoring exceptional individuals each year, particularly during graduation ceremonies. Yet, as university rankings, degree inflation, and political appointments become more intertwined, the temptation to misuse honorary credentials for personal or political gain also increases, raising concerns about the dilution of academic respect.
Looking forward, Ghana’s policy may inspire other nations to reconsider how they regulate academic titles. For Thai universities and policy planners, the move can serve as a prompt to tighten oversight of academic credentials and to clearly communicate the distinction between honorary awards and earned degrees to the public. Enhanced scrutiny of diploma mills and heightened media literacy about academic qualifications could also be valuable steps in maintaining a robust and credible education system.
For readers in Thailand, the practical takeaway is a call for vigilance and discernment regarding academic qualifications, especially among public figures and leaders. When evaluating professionals, business directors, or politicians who use academic titles, it is important to verify whether the certifications reflect genuine, accredited achievements. Consumers, employers, and voters should also be aware of how easy it has become for unregulated “degree mills” to bestow impressive-sounding but meaningless awards—whether in Thailand or elsewhere in the world (UNESCO - diploma mills). Supporting institutions and authorities that maintain high standards, such as the Office of the Higher Education Commission, is crucial for upholding the value of academic degrees.
Ghana’s move is a timely reminder of the universal need to safeguard the meaning and integrity of academic honor. As Thailand continues to strive for world-class academic standards, following developments such as Ghana’s decisive action can help inform local debates and policies around education, merit, and honor.