The University Teachers Association of Ghana, University of Ghana chapter (UTAG-UG), has rejected claims that the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has the authority to remove university officials or impose sanctions.
According to UTAG-UG President, Dr. Jerry Joe Harrison, GTEC’s mandate is limited to making recommendations to the Minister of Education, not issuing directives or interfering in the governance of universities.
His remarks follow petitions submitted to the Presidency on February 16 and April 13, 2026, in which the association raised concerns over what it describes as regulatory overreach, unilateral directives, and a coercive posture by GTEC’s leadership.
Speaking on Campus Exclusive, Dr. Harrison explained that GTEC’s role is to ensure that established institutional systems function properly, not to control or override them.
“The powers that GTEC is exercising in the name of regulatory authority—they do not have them under the law. The only thing they are supposed to do is to ensure that systems already in place function properly. If those systems deviate, they point it out—not run the system themselves. It is not for GTEC to issue instructions, demote or sanction individuals, or reverse council decisions,” he said.
Dr. Harrison also stressed that GTEC should focus on improving the quality of higher education rather than interfering in university administration.
“GTEC is supposed to be a chief advocate for quality higher education. If issues such as inadequate lecturer recruitment, heavy workloads, and lack of infrastructure are affecting quality, we should hear GTEC pushing for solutions. Instead of focusing on these, they are interfering in matters that are not their core mandate,” he stated.
He further noted that while legal action remains an option, UTAG-UG has chosen alternative constitutional means to address the issue.
“Going to court is an option, yes, but we have decided to pursue other constitutional means. We consult our members before taking decisions, and if it means taking further action, including a strike, we will decide together.”
UTAG-UG has reaffirmed its commitment to defending academic freedom and university autonomy, warning against any form of political interference in higher education.
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Story by Hannah Ahema Frimpong | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Gabriel Tecco Mensah
