🎓 UTAG Calls for Legal Action Against Fake Degrees and Misused Academic Titles
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) is raising alarm over the rising trend of fake academic credentials and the abuse of honorary titles. In a firm statement released this week, the association called on the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to step up its regulatory efforts and pursue legal action against individuals engaged in academic fraud.
“The misuse of honorary titles and fraudulent credentials disrespects the years of scholarly work required to earn genuine academic qualifications,” UTAG declared.
🚨 Threat to Higher Education Credibility
UTAG’s statement expressed deep concern over the increasing abuse of honorary doctorates, particularly when they are used to:
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Gain professional advantages
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Deceive the public
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Build unwarranted influence
“These actions erode public trust in both academic institutions and the integrity of higher education in Ghana,” the statement continued.
The association warned that such behavior sets false standards for academic achievement and damages the credibility of scholars who have undergone rigorous academic training and assessment.
⚖️ UTAG’s Recommendations for GTEC and Stakeholders
UTAG urged GTEC to adopt a multi-pronged approach that includes:
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Stronger regulatory oversight
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Clear punitive measures
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Criminal prosecution of offenders
The association emphasized that sanctions alone are insufficient and must be complemented by deterrent legal action to tackle the root of the problem.
🏛️ Call to Universities and Institutions
UTAG pledged its full support to GTEC in restoring confidence in Ghana’s tertiary sector and called for proactive measures by all academic institutions.
Key recommendations include:
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Establishing transparent policies for the conferral of honorary degrees
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Issuing public clarifications to differentiate honorary titles from earned qualifications
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Enhancing institutional screening for academic titles used in public or professional contexts
⚠️ Growing Trend of Academic Fraud
This strong statement comes amid a notable rise in individuals flaunting questionable academic titles to gain media attention, legitimacy, and access to influential positions—often without due verification or scrutiny.
“We must not allow academic fraud to become a norm. The integrity of our education system is at stake,” UTAG stressed.
