GTEC questions use of “Dr” title by GUTA president

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has raised concerns over the continued public use of the title “Dr” by Dr. Joseph Obeng, President of the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA), and has formally requested clarity on how the title was obtained.

In a letter dated May 14, 2025, and signed by Professor Augustine Ocloo, Deputy Director-General of GTEC, the Commission asked Dr. Obeng to provide details regarding the origin, timing, and awarding institution of the doctorate title he uses.

“The Commission expresses its deep concern regarding the increasing prevalence of honorary doctorates… conferred upon individuals by various institutions, both in Ghana and abroad,” the letter stated.

According to GTEC, the use of honorary doctorate titles as part of one’s name is “deemed unethical and contravenes several provisions of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), as well as other pertinent laws governing higher education in Ghana.”

GTEC has called on Dr. Obeng to exercise “personal responsibility” by refraining from using the honorary title “doctor” as part of his name. The Commission further warned that it reserves the right to impose sanctions if the directive is ignored.

There has been no public response yet from Dr. Obeng or GUTA regarding the Commission’s letter.