The University Teachers Association of Ghana has called for the immediate removal of the leadership of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, citing what it describes as persistent regulatory overreach and governance failures that threaten the autonomy and stability of public universities.
Addressing a press conference, UTAG disclosed that it had earlier submitted a petition to the Presidency on February 17, 2026, raising concerns about what it termed a “coercive administrative posture” by GTEC. However, nearly two months after the submission, the association says it has yet to receive any acknowledgement.
According to UTAG, the lack of response has forced it to go public with its demands, stressing that the issues raised may not have reached John Dramani Mahama or have been ignored.
UTAG maintained that its petition is not an attack on regulation but rather a call for proper oversight that respects institutional independence.
The association argued that the current leadership of GTEC has shifted from its core mandate of setting standards to interfering directly in the internal governance of universities.
“Regulators are expected to facilitate and not micromanage institutions,” UTAG noted, adding that the current approach risks undermining academic freedom, staff welfare, and innovation within the tertiary education sector.
UTAG outlined several instances of what it described as regulatory excesses, including interference in university administration, overriding decisions of governing councils, and imposing prior approval requirements on appointments and post-retirement engagements.
The association further accused GTEC of wielding excessive discretionary powers, including threats to withdraw accreditation and funding as a means of enforcing compliance.
It also cited the abrupt scrapping of certain office-holding portfolios across universities without adequate consultation as evidence of poor governance practices.
A major point of contention remains GTEC’s circulars issued in September and October 2025 on post-retirement contracts and salary procedures.
UTAG insists the directives contradict existing conditions of service and unlawfully transfer approval authority from university governing councils to GTEC.
The association warned that the directives have created uncertainty, administrative bottlenecks, and staffing challenges, ultimately affecting teaching, research, and mentorship.
UTAG also expressed concern over what it described as unilateral variations in negotiated conditions of service, as well as delays in salary payments for legitimately engaged staff.
According to the association, these actions have strained labour relations and heightened the risk of industrial unrest across public universities.
It further warned of reputational damage to Ghana’s higher education sector, citing a previous incident involving the University of Cape Coast, where essential services and accreditation processes were temporarily withdrawn by GTEC.
UTAG said such actions create uncertainty for students, staff, and international partners, potentially undermining confidence in Ghana’s education system.
In its formal demands, UTAG is calling on the president to:
- Remove the director-general and deputy director-general of GTEC
- Operationalise the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023) through a clear legislative instrument
- Withdraw the controversial 2025 directives and subject them to stakeholder consultation
- Protect all existing post-retirement contracts
- Include UTAG in finalising regulatory frameworks
- Maintain the current academic-year arrangements pending proper consultation
UTAG concluded by issuing a 14-day ultimatum to the government to address its concerns.
The association warned that failure to take appropriate action within the stipulated period would compel it to take further steps after consulting its members.
Despite the strong stance, UTAG reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and constructive engagement, emphasising its readiness to work with stakeholders to achieve reforms that safeguard Ghana’s tertiary education system.
Click the link Puretvonline.com | WhatsApp Channel to join the WhatsApp channel
GOT A STORY?
Contact/WhatsApp: +233243201960 or manuelnkansah33@gmail.com
