Gomoa East MP accuses GTEC of targeting NDC members over honorary doctorate titles
The Member of Parliament for Gomoa East, Desmond De-Graft Paitoo, has raised concerns over what he describes as politically motivated actions by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) after the Commission wrote to him demanding clarification on his use of the “Dr.” title.
In a letter the letter, GTEC asked the legislator to confirm the institution that awarded him the doctorate, whether it was earned or honorary, and the date of conferment. The Commission’s correspondence is part of its wider directive cracking down on the public use of unearned or honorary academic titles, especially among public figures.
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Speaking to Channel One on Friday, June 20, Mr. Paitoo, a member of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), said he has handed the matter over to his legal team and intends to issue a formal response through his lawyers. However, he expressed strong reservations about the tone and timing of the Commission’s action.
“I wonder why GTEC is targeting the NDC members, and who is influencing them to do that,” he said. “If you want to invite me for questioning, write a letter to me personally. I have handed over the case to my lawyer, so I will speak once he responds.”
The MP denied ever using the “Dr.” title in any official capacity or documentation, clarifying that he had only received an honorary title in recognition of his work and had never claimed it as an academic qualification.
“I didn’t earn anything on my own; I was honoured for the work that I have done. It is not an academically earned title. Even on my website, I haven’t put anything there,” he stated.
Mr. Paitoo went on to question GTEC’s approach, suggesting that the public nature of the inquiry appeared to be part of a broader attempt to embarrass or intimidate members of the NDC. He called for the Commission to exercise greater professionalism in its communications.
“The Commission’s method of going public rather than addressing me directly raises eyebrows. I wonder why GTEC is targeting the NDC members,” he reiterated.
GTEC, in a directive issued in May 2025, warned public figures against using honorary doctorates and academic titles without clearly stating their honorary status, threatening to name and shame violators and pursue legal action where necessary. However, Mr. Paitoo’s comments have added a political dimension to what the Commission insists is a neutral attempt to uphold academic integrity.
