Stop using ‘Doctor’ title – GTEC orders Naa Koryoo

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has officially directed the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor, to immediately stop using the academic title “Doctor.”

This follows what the Commision describes as absence of legitimate academic qualifications to support the designation.

GTEC, in a statement dated June 16, 2025, expressed serious concerns about the growing misuse of unearned academic titles by public figures.

The Commission stressed that such practices mislead the public and erode the integrity of Ghana’s academic framework.

Prof. Augustine Ocloo, Deputy Director-General of GTEC, who signed the letter, emphasized that only individuals who have earned doctoral degrees through accredited institutions are permitted to use the title “Dr.” in any official or public communication.

GTEC has requested that Hon. Okunor submit verifiable evidence confirming the removal of the title “Doctor” from all platforms, including but not limited to official documents, websites, social media pages, letterheads, and institutional profiles.

This directive is part of GTEC’s broader campaign to uphold academic integrity across the country.

A part of the statement noted, “The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has observed your continued use of the academic title “Doctor,” specifically in reference to yourself as Hon. Dr. Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor. For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission wishes to express its serious concern regarding the use of unearned academic titles, whether conferred by institutions within Ghana or abroad. The use of such titles particularly where they lack formal academic validation can be misleading and is inconsistent with the established academic protocols governing the conferment and use of academic distinctions in Ghana. In view of the above, you are by this letter requested to cease the use of the title “Doctor.”