GTEC public notice on the use of ‘DR’ as prefix to name – Document

Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) issued a public notice on using “DR” as a prefix to a name. After GTEC’s public clarification, Dr. Shirazu Issahaku, Ag. Registrar of the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) appreciated the Commission’s effort to provide clarity on this matter. AHPC disclosed their dissatisfaction with aspects of the publication stating their reasons.

Find below the full release from the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC)

RE: PUBLIC NOTICE ON THE USE OF ‘DR’ AS PREFIX TO NAMES

The Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) acknowledges with thanks the receipt of your public notice dated 8th August 2025 on the use of the prefix “Dr” by professionals. While we appreciate the Commission’s effort to provide clarity on this matter, we must respectfully register our dissatisfaction with aspects of the publication for the following reasons:

1. Mandate under Act 857 The AHPC, by law, is mandated under the Health Professions Regulatory Bodies Act, 2013 (Act 857) to recommend, regulate, and approve allied health professions. It is therefore not accurate to issue a blanket directive on the use of professional titles without due reference to the statutory functions of the Council

2. Existing GTEC- Approved Programmes It is important to note that programmes such as the Doctor of Optometry (OD) and the Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science (DMLS) have already been duly vetted and approved by GTEC in collaboration with AHPC. Holders of these professional doctorates undergo rigorous academic and professional training comparable in scope and intensity to those in the fields you referenced (DM, DD, DVM). Do find attached various certificates of programme accreditation as issued by GTEC

3. Use of ‘Dr.’ Title We believe the title “Dr” should not be restricted solely to the fields listed in your notice, particularly when other professionals have equally gone through extended training to earn academic and professional credentials at the doctoral level. To exclude them is not only inconsistent with the Commission’s own approvals but also undermines the professional identity and recognition of other professional doctorates.

4. Collaborative Oversight By law, the AHPC approves the professional aspects of training in allied health institutions, while GTEC oversees the academic dimensions. These complementary roles call for continuous consultation and collaboration rather than unilateral public pronouncements on professional matters that directly affect regulated cadres.

In light of the above, the AHPC respectfully calls for a stakeholder engagement between our Council and GTEC to deliberate on this issue and arrive at a mutually acceptable framework. We believe this dialogue will not only clarify the rightful use of titles but also safeguard the integrity of our regulatory systems and the professional dignity of practitioners. We remain confident that, through constructive engagement, this matter can be resolved amicably in the best interest of the professions we collectively serve.

Release Document -READ

SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh