The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has fiercely condemned the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) for what it describes as a “malicious and calculated attempt” to undermine the credibility of its president, Dr. Joseph Obeng, over his use of an honorary doctorate title.
In a strongly worded press release issued on Monday, GUTA, along with its allied trade associations, accused GTEC of gross overreach and a deliberate smear campaign aimed at discrediting a leader whose influence has been instrumental in shaping Ghana’s informal economy.
“This is an outrageous and unjustified attack on the integrity of a man who has spent decades transforming the economic fabric of our nation,” the statement read. “GTEC’s caution is not just a misstep—it is a direct insult to the entire trading community.”
Dr. Obeng was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate of Humanity by the Alpha International Theological Seminary in 2016, alongside a Platinum Award for Excellence in Leadership by the Centre for Transformational Leadership. GUTA insists these honours are legitimate recognitions of his contributions to private enterprise, human development, and national progress.
“These are not empty titles. They reflect tangible service, leadership, and advocacy that have uplifted thousands of Ghanaian entrepreneurs,” GUTA emphasized.
Calling on GTEC to retract its statement and issue a public apology, GUTA stressed that leadership should not be judged solely by academic credentials. “Dr. Obeng’s impact is felt not in lecture halls, but in markets, boardrooms, and national policy spaces,” the association stated.
Backing GUTA’s stance are several powerful trade bodies, including the Ashanti Business Owners Association, the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association, and the Chamber of Automobile Dealership Ghana (CADEG), who all echoed the call for respect and recognition of non-academic paths to national service.
“Dr. Obeng is more than a president; he is a symbol of resilience, excellence, and unwavering service to Ghana. We will not stand by while his name is dragged through the mud.”
