UTAG rejects accreditation of new tertiary programmes suspension

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has criticized the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission’s (GTEC) decision to suspend accreditation of new academic programs for all public universities.

UTAG President Prof. Mamudu Akudugu said the decision was not in the interest of tertiary education in the country, as the world is constantly evolving and academic programs must continuously evolve to keep pace.

Prof. Akudugu also accused GTEC of delaying in issuing certificates of accreditation for new academic programs, despite universities always applying for accreditation. He called on GTEC to fix its problems and expedite the accreditation process, rather than blaming the universities.

Prof. Akudugu also announced that UTAG would demand a review or amendment of the GTEC Act (Act 1023), as it has made the Director-General of GTEC the “headmaster of Vice-Chancellors,” which he said is not a productive arrangement for universities.

In addition, Prof. Akudugu called on the government to implement without any further delay the negotiated conditions of service of UTAG members. He also urged the government to allow universities the space to innovate in their academic programming and sustain academic freedom.

The 21st Biennial UTAG Congress was held to take important decisions for the way forward of UTAG and to swear in its new leadership.