I have read with great concern a recent letter signed by the Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Prof.Augustine Ocloo. In that letter, he purported to clarify that only PhD holders and holders of certain professional undergraduate doctorates, namely, the Doctor of Medicine (DM), Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), and Doctor of Dentistry (DD) are entitled to use the title Doctor. He further explained that although these are undergraduate programmes, tradition entitles them to the title Doctor, and therefore the Commission recognizes them.

I must say that GTEC’s recent move to regulate the use of academic titles in Ghana is commendable and a step in the right direction. However such regulation must be carried out strictly in accordance with the law and established guidelines not driven by personal sentiments. GTEC must also ensure that individuals within its ranks do not hide under the shield of regulating academic titles to overstep the commission’s mandate or settle personal scores.

The letter dated 8th August 2025, signed by Prof. Augustine Ocloo is arbitrary, capricious, and unlawful. It does not reflect the letters and spirit of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, nor the statutory mandate of GTEC.

Constitutional Principles Ignored

Article 23 of 1992 constitution of Ghana provides that administrative bodies and officials shall act fairly and reasonably and comply with the requirements imposed on them by law.

Article 296 requires that discretionary powers be exercised fairly, candidly, and without arbitrariness, capriciousness, bias, prejudice, or personal dislike.

By recognizing some professional doctoral programmes while excluding others accredited by GTEC itself, Prof.Augustine Ocloo’s letter violates these fundamental principles.The Selective and Biased Omission.

It is obvious that the letter omits equally important professional doctorate programmes, including the Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science (MLS.D), Doctor of Optometry (O.D.), and Doctor of

Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) all duly accredited by GTEC and recognized as professional doctorates in Ghana whiles programmes such as Doctor of Medicine which is neither an accredited programme nor part of our nomenclature in Ghana was said to be recognized by GTEC.

The omission is not only biased but also reflective of bad faith and personal motives. It is worth noting that Prof. Ocloo, a biochemist, who is neither qualified to practice medical laboratory nor Pharmacy profession, is attempting to downplay and delegitimize these professions under the guise of “clarification” which is an abuse of office to settle personal scores, I wish to know the profession to which the good old professor truly belongs, because Biochemistry is not a profession but a field of study.

Professional Titles Are Not for GTEC to Regulate

It must be emphasized that there is a difference between academic titles and professional titles.

Academic titles (such as PhD) fall under university and accreditation oversight.

Professional titles, however, are conferred by statutory regulatory councils (e.g, Medical and Dental Council, Pharmacy Council, Allied Health Professions Council).GTEC’s lawful mandate under its established Act is to collaborate with regulatory bodies, set standards, and accredit programmes. Nowhere does the law empower GTEC to regulate professional titles. Any attempt to do so is overstep of its mandate and must not be entertained.

Established Precedents

On Tuesday September 25,2018, the then National Accreditation Board (NAB) together with national council for tertiary education published in the Daily Graphic that all professional doctorates, including MBChB, , Doctor of Pharmacy, Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science, and Doctor of Optometry, are of equal standing and are counterparts.

Under Section 39 of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 Act 1023, all valid notices, regulations, and directions issued by national accreditation board (NAB) continue to have effect until reviewed or revoked. No such review or cancellation has occurred, thus Prof. Ocloo’s recent letter is inconsistent with both existing law and precedent.

Call to Action

The Ghanaian public and professional community are hereby called upon to ignore this so-called clarification by Prof. Ocloo as it was issued without legal mandate, and is therefore null and void.

I call on GTEC to, with immediate effect:

1. Withdraw the said capricious letter, and

2. Issue a public apology to holders of the Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science, Doctor of Pharmacy, and Doctor of Optometry degrees.

3. Put measures in place so individuals do not use their positions in GTEC to settle personal scores.

I further urge all professionals holding these degrees to continue to serve the Ghanaian public with dedication, excellence, and medical expertise, and not allow a void and baseless letter to demoralize or distract them from their noble duty.

By DR COLLINS ELI ASILEVI (MLSD,BSC,LLB,MPH,CERT CGL)

0241458769

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