The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), along with allied trade organizations, has vehemently criticized the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) for cautioning GUTA President Dr. Joseph Obeng against the use of his honorary doctorate title. They view GTEC's actions as a malicious attempt to damage his reputation. In a statement released on Monday, May 19, 2025, GUTA described GTEC's caution as an overreach of authority and an unwarranted, malicious effort to cast aspersions on a leader whose dedication, vision, and advocacy have been instrumental in transforming Ghana's economic landscape.

GUTA has demanded that GTEC retract its press release and issue a public apology to Dr. Joseph Obeng for the reputational harm caused. The controversy arose from GTEC's recent directive urging Dr. Obeng to refrain from using the "Dr" title, which he received through an Honorary Doctorate of Humanity from Alpha International Theological Seminary (AITS) on April 24, 2016, in recognition of his contributions to human development and private enterprise.

GUTA emphasized 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 association asserted that the trading community will not tolerate any further attempts to denigrate the dignity of their leader or any of their leadership, emphasizing that the informal sector demands and deserves respect.

GUTA urged GTEC to exercise discretion, engage stakeholders before issuing such statements, and recognize diverse pathways to leadership beyond academic credentials. According to GUTA, Dr. Joseph Obeng is not merely a representative of traders but a symbol of resilience, service, and visionary leadership in Ghana’s economic landscape.

GUTA and its allies, including the Ashanti Business Owners Association, Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association, and the Chamber of Automobile Dealership Ghana (CADEG), have expressed solidarity with Dr. Joseph Obeng, pledging to protect his right to be honored and to defend all leaders who serve Ghana with integrity. Additionally, following heavy rains over the weekend, many parts of Accra have been left with debris.