Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, is at the center of trending discussions in Ghana after the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) cautioned her against using the title “Professor.”
According to GTEC, the professorial designation attached to her name does not meet the Commission’s academic recognition requirements, sparking a wave of questions about authenticity, professional credibility, and academic titles in Ghana.
Dr Grace Ayensu Danquah (Professorial Title Update): Trending news in Ghana
The controversy gained momentum following an interview where Dr. Ayensu-Danquah was introduced with the professorial title. Shortly after, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin issued an apology on the matter. However, his apology quickly stirred more drama, as the Deputy Minister sensed insincerity in his words.
The moment has since gone viral, with Ghanaians debating whether her reaction reflected confidence and composure, or signaled the beginning of a prolonged battle over her title.
In response, Dr. Ayensu-Danquah has maintained her calm, refusing to be drawn into heated exchanges despite the growing scrutiny. Supporters have praised her for her intelligence and grace under pressure, while critics insist the matter raises deeper concerns about academic integrity in public office.
GTEC, in its statement, stressed that it was not questioning Dr. Ayensu-Danquah’s achievements or contributions to health and academia, but simply enforcing standards that prevent the misapplication of academic ranks. “We urge all professionals to adhere strictly to recognized academic titles to safeguard the credibility of Ghana’s higher education system,” the Commission noted.
As the story unfolds, the incident has fueled public discourse on Ghana’s academic system, the proper use of titles, and the accountability of leaders in maintaining integrity. Whether this marks a passing controversy or the start of a drawn-out debate remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah has become one of the most talked-about personalities in Ghana today.
