UTAG demands removal of GTEC Bosses in 14-days
UTAG issues 14-Day ultimatum to Presidency
Tensions are rising within Ghana’s tertiary education sector as the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has issued a firm 14-day ultimatum to John Dramani Mahama. The association is demanding a response to its petition seeking the removal of top leadership at the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission. UTAG has warned that failure to act within the stipulated period could trigger industrial unrest, signaling a potential disruption across public universities.
Silence from the presidency raises concerns
Speaking at a press conference, UTAG National President, Vera Ogeh Fiador, expressed frustration over what she described as a prolonged silence from the Presidency. According to her, the petition—submitted on February 17, 2026—has not even been acknowledged nearly two months later.
“At this point, we have no option but to believe that our petition was not processed… or that the President has just ignored our petition,” she stated.
This perceived lack of response has deepened mistrust and heightened urgency within the academic community.
Call for removal of GTEC leadership
At the heart of the dispute is UTAG’s demand for the removal of GTEC’s Director-General, Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, and his deputy, Augustine Ocloo. The association accuses the current leadership of governance failures and exceeding their regulatory mandate. UTAG argues that these actions have negatively impacted university administration and weakened institutional independence.
Accusations of overreach and control
UTAG strongly criticizes what it calls a “command and control” style of leadership at GTEC. According to the association, this approach interferes with the autonomy of universities and undermines academic freedom. The group claims that GTEC has been issuing unilateral directives and making decisions that traditionally fall under the jurisdiction of university councils and academic boards.
“These governance failures… now undermine university autonomy, academic freedom, staff welfare, and the stability and competitiveness of public universities,” Prof. Fiador emphasized.
A call for balance, not abolition
Despite its strong stance, UTAG insists that it is not opposed to regulation. Instead, the association advocates for a more collaborative and consultative framework. Drawing comparisons with international best practices, UTAG argues that regulatory bodies should focus on setting standards rather than micromanaging institutions.
“Regulators are expected to operate through consultation, not fiat,” the association noted.
Warning of possible industrial action
UTAG has made it clear that the 14-day ultimatum is not symbolic. The association warns that if its concerns remain unaddressed, tensions within the tertiary education sector could escalate into full-blown industrial action.
Such a development could disrupt academic calendars, affect students nationwide, and deepen existing challenges in Ghana’s higher education system. For now, all eyes remain on the Presidency as the countdown begins.
