Dr. Who? Ghana’s Epidemic of Degrees without Diagnosis: Satirical Musings on Ghana’s Curious Obsession with Titles

The Rise of Dr. Miracle Menthol

In Ghana, titles are not earned; they are declared. The title "Doctor" is often misused. It can come from self-appointment or WhatsApp certifications. Wear a white coat and speak confidently, and you become a medical authority.

Dr. Anne Sansa Daly was the latest figure in this trend. She appeared on radio, TV, and social media. She gave health advice with charisma but little training. Her rise resembled Florence Nightingale with Instagram filters.

However, the Medical and Dental Council soon intervened.

Even the Presidency Was Deceived

Daly's charm even reached the Presidency. Impressed by her speeches, they appointed her to the National Health Insurance Authority board. Ghana celebrated her appointment while she posed for cameras.

But when her lack of credentials was revealed, public outrage followed. The appointment was quickly revoked amid disbelief and memes.

The Investigation Begins

The Ghana Medical and Dental Council launched an investigation into Daly's claims. Their findings were shocking: no medical license or degree existed for her. Even the American Board of Family Medicine confirmed they had no record of her training.

Daly had no certification but displayed excessive confidence in her abilities.

Media’s Role in Promoting Misinformation

In a serious country, this scandal would prompt media reflection. But in Ghana? This is just another day.

Broadcast journalists often introduce herbal practitioners as “Dr.” despite their lack of formal education. These individuals wear white coats and speak with accents that blend local dialects with English.

They claim remedies like boiled mango leaves cure fibroids and financial woes.

GTEC Takes Action Against Title Abuse

Finally, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has stepped in. They plan to expose those abusing academic titles publicly.

People wonder if GTEC will reveal fake doctors operating under bridges or near chop bars.

Social Media Reacts to the Scandal

Online reactions have been lively among Ghanaians. One user noted:

“In Ghana, if you wear a white coat and speak slowly, we assume you’re either a nurse or a doctor.”

Another remarked:

“Dr. Daly had more airtime than the Minister of Health but less documentation than expired sachet water.”

A practical voice chimed in:

“I don’t care if my herbal doctor is fake; he gives me free sobolo.”

Our Obsession with Titles

We must acknowledge our role in this issue. In Ghana, having a title increases your value significantly. “Mr.” gets little attention compared to “Dr.”

We've seen prophets with degrees in dubious fields and politicians boasting honorary PhDs from questionable institutions.

The Real Danger: Misinformation

The real danger lies not just in title misuse but also misinformation from untrained individuals. Lives are at risk when real diseases meet fake doctors.

Here’s some advice:

If your “doctor” suggests chewing charcoal cures arthritis—run away!
If they claim pineapple water resets your immune system—block them!
If they wear a stethoscope but can't spell “anatomy”—report them!

Let’s reclaim our media spaces and protect public health together! Being called “Doctor” doesn’t make someone qualified—especially if their clinic is next to a kebab stand.

Next year, we might be consulting “Dr. Shatta Bongo” for health needs if we’re not careful!

Until then, take two spoons of common sense daily! If gullibility persists, consult a real professional—not an influencer in a lab coat.

Jimmy Aglah is a media executive and author known for his sharp commentary on societal issues.