GUTA President, Joseph Obeng
The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), alongside allied trade organisations, has strongly condemned the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) for cautioning GUTA President Dr Joseph Obeng against using his honorary doctorate title, describing the action as a malicious attempt to discredit his reputation.
In a statement issued on Monday, 19 May 2025, GUTA called GTEC’s caution an overreach of authority and an “unwarranted, malicious attempt calculated to cast aspersions on the person and the dignity of a leader whose dedication, vision, and advocacy have been pivotal in transforming the economic narrative of our country.”
The association demanded that GTEC retract its press release and issue a public apology to Dr Joseph Obeng for the reputational harm caused.
“We request that GTEC retract its misplaced press release and issue a public apology to Dr Joseph Obeng for the unwarranted reputational harm caused,” the statement said.
The controversy stems from GTEC’s recent directive urging Dr Joseph Obeng to refrain from using the “Dr” title, which he earned through an Honorary Doctorate of Humanity conferred by Alpha International Theological Seminary (AITS) on April 24, 2016 for his contributions to human development and private enterprise.
GUTA emphasised that Dr Joseph Obeng’s honorary title is a “well-earned recognition of his decades of service to national development, private enterprise advocacy, and economic empowerment.”
The statement further asserted, “We assert that the trading community will not countenance any further attempt to denigrate the dignity of our leader or any of our leadership. The informal sector demands and deserves respect.”
The association urged GTEC to exercise discretion, engage stakeholders before issuing such statements, and recognise diverse pathways to leadership beyond academic credentials.
“Dr Joseph Obeng is not merely a representative of traders; he is a symbol of resilience, service, and visionary leadership in Ghana’s economic landscape,” the statement read.
GUTA and its allies, including the Ashanti Business Owners Association, Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association, and the Chamber of Automobile Dealership Ghana (CADEG), expressed solidarity with Dr Joseph Obeng, vowing to protect his right to be honoured and defend all leaders who serve Ghana with integrity.
GA/KA
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