The Deputy Minister for Education, Clement Apaak, has issued a warning to the public regarding the unauthorised use of the title ‘Doctor’, emphasising that it is exclusively reserved for individuals who have completed the requisite academic or professional training.
During a media briefing, Hon. Apaak clarified that in Ghana, the title ‘doctor’ is attained either through medical training or by obtaining a doctoral degree (PhD).
He indicated that individuals cannot assume the title without acquiring the necessary knowledge and qualifications.
He explained that although some individuals may receive honorary doctorates from recognised institutions due to their contributions to society, such titles should not be added to their names or used as professional credentials.
According to him, using the title ‘Doctor’ without proper qualification is against the law.
He noted that the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) regularly issues warnings to individuals who falsely use the title, urging them to desist or face legal action.
Hon. Apaak revealed that discussions with committee members have highlighted a growing concern about unqualified individuals, particularly those selling medicines in cars and at trotro stations, who falsely present themselves as doctors.
He warned that failure to address this issue could pose serious public health risks. ‘Many people are misled into buying medicines because they trust that these individuals are qualified doctors,’ he said, adding that such practices could result in harmful or even fatal consequences.
As part of efforts aimed at dealing with the matter, he disclosed that the committee has proposed that monitoring and addressing such cases should form part of GTEC’s responsibilities.
He therefore cautioned herbalists and medicine sellers to refrain from using the title ‘doctor’ without proper training and certification, warning that offenders risk arrest and prosecution if found guilty of misrepresentation.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
