The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has issued a sharp rebuttal to a cautionary statement released by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), describing it as a “malicious attempt” to undermine the credibility of its president, Dr. Joseph Obeng.
On May 14, GTEC issued a public warning to Dr. Obeng regarding his use of the “Doctor” title publicly.
However, in a strongly worded statement signed by GUTA and supported by allied trade organizations, the union condemned GTEC’s action as an overstep of its mandate and a direct attack on a highly respected figure in Ghana’s business and entrepreneurial space.
“We find this action to be an unwarranted, malicious attempt calculated to cast aspersions on the person and dignity of a leader whose dedication, vision, and advocacy have been pivotal in transforming the economic narratives of our country,” the statement read.
GUTA emphasized that Dr. Obeng’s honorary title is not being used in place of an earned academic qualification but as a recognition of his outstanding contributions to national development and private enterprise.
The union noted that Dr. Obeng was conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Humanity (D.H.) by Alpha International Theological Seminary on April 24, 2016. The citation recognized his “contribution to human development and private enterprise.”
Additionally, Dr. Obeng received a Platinum Award for Excellence in Leadership from the Centre for Transformational Leadership in Accra, an accolade that highlighted his leadership within Ghana’s private sector and his role as an advocate for economic empowerment.
“These are not vanity accolades,” GUTA stated. “They are meritorious honors granted by reputable institutions, recognizing proven leadership and measurable impact on national progress.”
The union has demanded a full retraction of the caution and a public apology from GTEC
“We affirm that Dr. Obeng’s leadership and advocacy transcend academic credentials.His contributions are felt in markets, boardrooms, and national policy discussions.”
The union called on GTEC to adopt a more inclusive and respectful approach when dealing with public figures influence lies outside conventional academic frameworks.