The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has directed Dr. Samuel Ato Duncan, the newly appointed Board Chairman of the Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC), to immediately desist from using the title “Professor,” citing the absence of verifiable academic credentials.
In a formal notice, GTEC reminded Mr. Duncan of an earlier directive dated June 3, 2025, which required him to cease using the title due to insufficient evidence of qualification.
“You were required to provide verifiable evidence confirming the removal of this title from all relevant platforms, including but not limited to official documents, institutional profiles, letterheads, websites, and other public professional representations,” the Commission reiterated.
GTEC noted that Mr. Duncan had failed to comply with the earlier directive and had not submitted any documentation to validate his claim to the academic rank.
“To date, the Commission has not received a response from you, nor have you submitted any documentation justifying your entitlement to the academic title ‘Professor’,” the statement said.
According to GTEC, the use of the title “Professor” is reserved strictly for individuals who have earned a PhD or equivalent terminal degree and have been officially promoted to the academic rank by a recognised tertiary institution.
“Until and unless you provide verifiable evidence… You are not authorised to use the title ‘Dr’ or ‘Professor’ in any official capacity,” the Commission emphasized.
