The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has cautioned heads of tertiary education institutions that public officers serving in leadership positions must not simultaneously hold executive positions in political parties.
In a statement dated July 27, 2026, and addressed to heads of tertiary education institutions, the Commission said it had observed reports that some institutional leaders and senior managers continue to serve as political party executives while holding public office.
According to GTEC, the practice undermines the principles of political neutrality, impartiality, and public confidence expected of leaders within Ghana’s public tertiary education system.
“As institutions within Ghana’s public tertiary education system, it is imperative that institutional leaders uphold the principles of political neutrality, impartiality, and public confidence in the administration of higher education,” the Commission stated.
GTEC drew attention to Section 26 of the Political Parties Act, 2000 (Act 574), which states that “a chief or a public officer shall not engage in canvassing in support of or against a political party or a candidate standing for a public election.”
The Commission further noted that the law prohibits public officers from occupying executive positions in political parties in order to prevent actual or perceived conflicts between their official responsibilities and partisan political interests.
“These provisions are intended to safeguard the neutrality and integrity of the Public Service and to prevent situations that may give rise to actual or perceived conflicts between official responsibilities and partisan political interests.”
It also referenced the Public Services Commission’s position that public officers who wish to engage in active party politics or accept political party executive positions are expected to relinquish their public office before doing so.
“The Public Services Commission has also consistently reiterated that public officers who intend to engage in active party politics or assume political party executive positions are expected to relinquish their public office before doing so, in accordance with the applicable constitutional and statutory provisions.”
GTEC has therefore directed the governing councils and management of tertiary education institutions to ensure full compliance with the law. The directive applies to officers, including Vice-Chancellors, Principals, Pro Vice-Chancellors, Vice-Principals, Registrars, Directors of Finance, Deans, Heads of Department, and other senior officials.
“Accordingly, GTEC wishes to remind all heads of tertiary education institutions to ensure full compliance with these legal requirements,” the statement said, adding that individuals who currently occupy both public office and political party executive positions are expected to resign from their political party roles or be relieved of their public offices.
The Commission said it expects all tertiary education institutions to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and political neutrality in the management of Ghana’s higher education system.
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Story by Mardiya Amin Laamoata | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Gabriel Tecco Mensah
