The University Teachers Association of Ghana has given President John Dramani Mahama a 14-day deadline to respond to a petition demanding the removal of top officials at the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, warning of potential industrial unrest if the concerns are not addressed.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, UTAG National President, Prof. Vera Ogeh Fiador, expressed disappointment over what she described as the Presidency’s silence on a petition submitted on February 17, 2026.
“It has been almost two months since the submission of our petition, and we have yet to even receive an acknowledgement,” she said.
“At this point, we have no option but to believe that our petition was not processed for the attention of His Excellency the President, or that the President has just ignored our petition.”
The petition calls for the dismissal of GTEC Director-General, Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, and his deputy, Prof. Augustine Ocloo, over what UTAG describes as persistent governance lapses and regulatory excesses.
According to the association, the current leadership style at GTEC reflects a “command and control” approach that threatens the independence of public universities and undermines academic freedom.
“UTAG’s considered assessment is that these governance failures have departed from the regulatory enabling purpose and now undermine university autonomy, academic freedom, staff welfare, and the stability and competitiveness of public universities,” Prof. Fiador stated.
UTAG further accused the Commission of overstepping its mandate by issuing directives without adequate consultation and interfering in matters traditionally handled by university governing bodies, including councils and academic boards.
The association clarified that its position is not against regulation but rather advocates for a more balanced and consultative framework in overseeing the tertiary education sector.
“Internationally, regulators are expected to set minimum standards, not micromanage institutions… and operate through consultation, not fiat,” the association noted.
UTAG warned that failure by the government to act within the stipulated timeframe could escalate tensions across the tertiary education landscape, potentially disrupting academic activities nationwide.
The 14-day ultimatum, the association said, is intended to give the Presidency sufficient time to engage and respond, cautioning that further steps could be taken should the situation remain unresolved.
