Fake degrees: Insta-scholars in Ghana’s booming spiritual marketplace

During a morning walk in the vibrant streets of Accra, where the aroma of jollof rice mingles with the fumes from the exhaust-pipes of tro-tros, a phenomenon has been taking root. Along the main streets, billboards that once advertised mobile phones and soft drinks, now showcase the faces of charismatic preachers.

It is not the beaming smiles of these preachers that catch the eyes of the ordinary Joe, but the proliferation of the “Dr” titles preceding their names. This trend, dubbed by critics as the rise of “Insta-Scholars,” is reshaping Ghana’s religious landscape and igniting a fierce national debate about the nature of expertise in the digital age.

The spiritual marketplace: A booming economy

Ghana, a nation where over 70% of the population identifies as Christians, has seen an explosion of independent churches and ministries in recent years. This boom has transformed the religious sector into a competitive spiritual marketplace, where churches vie for followers in an increasingly crowded field.

Dr. Sarah M. Thompson, a leading scholar in social dynamics at the Global Institute for Peace Studies, offers her perspective on this trend: “What we are observing resembles an arms race, but rather than traditional weapons, it’s an increase in professional titles. In this fiercely competitive spiritual marketplace, titles have emerged as a form of currency, with ‘Dr.’ representing the highest level of perceived credibility.”

The rise of “Insta-Scholars” is not occurring in a vacuum. It’s a reflection of broader societal changes in Ghana, including increased access to education, the proliferation of private universities, and the growing influence of digital media. These factors have converged to create an environment where traditional notions of authority and expertise are being challenged and redefined.

The cottage industry of instant doctorates

This trend has given birth to a thriving cottage industry of unaccredited institutions offering quick and easy paths to prestigious-sounding qualifications. Some of these “degrees” can be obtained in as little as a few months, often through online programmes with minimal academic rigor.

James Kofi Annan, an investigative journalist celebrated for his work on accountability and governance, has explored the realm of rapid credentialing. “In my research, I’ve encountered instances where individuals have transitioned from ‘Brother’ to ‘Doctor’ in less time than it takes to secure a driver’s license,” Annan notes. “These institutions frequently navigate a legal gray area, taking advantage of loopholes in Ghana’s educational regulations.”

The phenomenon isn’t limited to Christianity. Some Islamic preachers and traditional spiritual leaders have also adopted academic titles, reflecting the cross-cultural appeal of perceived scholarly authority in Ghanaian society.

Kwame Ismail Shabazz, a prominent Islamic scholar, notes, “While the trend is most visible in Christian circles, we’re seeing similar patterns in Islamic communities. Some Imams are now using ‘Dr.’ titles, often based on studies from unaccredited Islamic institutions abroad.”

The defenders: Democratization of knowledge or deception?

Supporters of this trend argue that it represents a democratization of knowledge and a challenge to elitist notions of education. They contend that spiritual insight and practical wisdom should be valued as much as traditional academic achievements.

Prophet Daniel Nkansah, leader of the New Vision Pentecostal Church, who uses the title “Dr.” based on a degree from an unaccredited online institution, is a vocal defender of the practice. “God’s wisdom isn’t confined to ivory towers,” Prophet Nkansah asserts. “These titles recognize spiritual insight, not just book learning. In a country where many can’t afford traditional higher education, alternative paths to recognition should be respected.”

Some sociologists see this phenomenon as part of a broader global trend of challenging established institutions. Dr. Akosua Darkwah of the University of Ghana, explains, “This movement, in some ways, mirrors global patterns of populism and anti-intellectualism. It’s a rejection of traditional gatekeepers of knowledge and a claim to alternative forms of authority.”

The critics: Eroding trust and expertise

However, critics warn of the potential societal impact, arguing that this trend risks undermining public trust in genuine expertise at a time when it’s most needed.

A professor at the University of Ghana’s School of Information and Communication Studies, who asked for anonymity expresses deep concern about the broader implications: “This trend risks eroding public trust in genuine expertise at a time when we desperately need it. From public health to climate change, society relies on real experts to address complex challenges. When we blur the lines between earned and unearned credentials, we create a dangerous confusion about who to trust on critical issues.”

The phenomenon has even sparked a new form of satire in Ghana’s vibrant social media scene. Memes featuring cats and dogs with “Dr.” titles have gone viral, poking fun at the proliferation of questionable credentials. While humorous, these memes reflect growing public awareness and skepticism about the trend.

Francis Kokutse, a veteran journalist, adds another layer to the criticism: “This isn’t just about religious leaders. It’s part of a broader pattern of title inflation in Ghana. We’re seeing politicians, business leaders, and even traditional chiefs adopting questionable titles. It’s creating a society where form trumps substance and credibility is based more on titles than actual expertise or achievements.”

Mr. Kokutse laments that this trend extends far beyond the church walls, permeating various spheres of Ghanaian society. “Whether it’s chiefs calling themselves ‘Dr.’ without proper education, or CEOs tacking on ‘Professor’ to their names, it speaks to a cultural fixation on status symbols over merit,” he adds. “If left unchecked, this obsession with hollow titles could erode public trust in true authority and competence across all sectors at a time when Ghana needs real expertise to tackle major challenges

The impact on ordinary Ghanaians

For many Ghanaians, the issue is far from abstract. It touches on fundamental questions of faith, trust, and societal values.

Janet Asare, a market vendor in Kumasi, shares her perspective: “I respect our pastors, but sometimes I wonder: if they need these big titles to prove their worth, what does that say about their faith? In my grandfather’s time, the most respected religious leaders were known for their wisdom and good deeds, not their titles.”

This sentiment is echoed by Kwabena Owusu, a high school teacher in Takoradi: “As an educator, I worry about the message this sends to our youth. Are we teaching them that shortcuts to success are acceptable? That appearance matters more than substance? These are dangerous lessons in a developing nation like ours.”

The controversy has even begun to affect family dynamics. Abena Pokua, a nurse in Accra, recounts, “My uncle recently became a ‘Dr.’ through one of these online programmes. Now there’s tension in the family because my cousin, who’s studying medicine at Legon, feels his future achievement is being devalued.”

Legal and regulatory challenges

The controversy has prompted calls for action from various quarters. Some religious organizations are pushing for self-regulation, while others advocate for government intervention.

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) formerly National Accreditation Board (NAB) has announced plans to crack down on unaccredited institutions, but enforcing regulations in the realm of religious titles remains a challenge. One key member of GTEC explains the complexity of the situation: “While we have clear guidelines for academic institutions, regulating religious titles falls into a gray area. We’re navigating a delicate balance between freedom of religion and maintaining educational standards.”

Legal experts point out the difficulties in addressing this issue through legislation. Michael Kwasi Adu, a celebrated Ghanaian lawyer, elaborates: “The constitution guarantees freedom of religion, which complicates any attempt to regulate religious titles. Unless there’s clear fraud or public endangerment, legal intervention is tricky.”

Some are looking to international examples for guidance. South Africa, for instance, has implemented laws prohibiting the use of unearned academic titles. However, critics argue that such measures could be seen as government overreach in the religious sphere.

The global context

Ghana’s struggle with “Insta-Scholars” is not unique. Similar trends have been observed in other African countries, as well as in parts of Asia and Latin America.

Dr. Paul Gifford, Professor Emeritus at SOAS University of London and an expert on African Christianity, provides a global perspective: “This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in countries with a history of charismatic Christianity and where traditional educational institutions are seen as elite or inaccessible. It’s part of a broader global trend of challenging established authorities and institutions.”

The trend also intersects with the growing influence of the prosperity gospel movement, which often emphasizes visible signs of success and blessing. Dr. Ebenezer Obadare, professor of sociology at the University of Kansas, notes, “In many of these churches, a leader’s perceived prosperity and status are seen as evidence of divine favor. Academic titles, whether earned or not, become part of this display of ‘blessedness’.”

Looking to the future

As Ghana grapples with this issue, it reflects broader questions about authority, education, and spirituality in the 21st century. In a world where information – and misinformation – is just a click away, the debate over “Insta-Scholars” touches on fundamental issues of trust, expertise, and the very nature of knowledge itself.

Dr. Gloria Ansah-Oware, a leadership expert offers a nuanced perspective on the way forward: “This isn’t just about titles. It’s about how we as a society determine what constitutes real wisdom and authority in an age of “instant everything.”  We need a national dialogue that involves religious leaders, educators, policymakers, and ordinary citizens to redefine our values and standards.”

Some see potential for positive change emerging from this controversy. Dr. Kwame Asah Asante of the Department of Political Science at the University of Ghana suggests: “Perhaps this debate will spark a renewed interest in genuine scholarship and critical thinking. It could lead to a renaissance in how we approach education and expertise in Ghana.”

As the sun sets over Accra, the billboards continue to shine, their “Doctors” smiling down on a city wrestling with the very meaning of expertise in the digital age. For Ghana, like many nations, the question remains: in a world of “Insta-Scholars,” how do we distinguish true wisdom from mere titles?

The answer to this question will shape not just the future of religion in Ghana, but the very fabric of society itself. As the nation navigates this complex terrain, it serves as a microcosm of global struggles with authority, knowledge, and truth in the 21st century. The outcome of this debate may well offer lessons for societies around the world grappling with similar challenges in the age of information overload and instant gratification.

By Innocent Samuel Appiah

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