The University Teachers Association of Ghana has demanded the immediate dismissal of the Director-General and Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai and Augustine Ocloo, over what it describes as continued overreach and governance lapses within the tertiary education sector.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, UTAG President Vera Fiador disclosed that the association had earlier petitioned the Presidency on February 17, 2026, highlighting concerns about what it called unilateral decision-making and an increasingly coercive leadership style at the Commission.

However, UTAG says it has received no response nearly two months after submitting the petition, prompting it to make its position public.

The association argues that actions by the GTEC leadership have gone beyond its regulatory mandate and are eroding institutional autonomy, academic freedom, staff welfare, and the stability of public universities.

UTAG further accused the Commission of interfering in internal university governance, including overriding decisions of governing councils and academic boards, introducing approval requirements for appointments, and disregarding established statutes.

It also alleged that GTEC has exercised excessive discretionary powers, including threats to withdraw accreditation and funding, as well as abruptly abolishing certain administrative roles without due process.

The association raised additional concerns about directives issued in September and October 2025, particularly those affecting post-retirement contracts and salary administration. According to UTAG, these measures conflict with agreed conditions of service, create uncertainty, and disrupt academic work, including teaching and research.

UTAG warned that the situation is straining labour relations and could lead to industrial action if not addressed.

The group also pointed to reputational risks for Ghana’s tertiary education system, citing a 2025 incident involving the University of Cape Coast, where accreditation services were temporarily withdrawn before being restored, creating uncertainty for students and international partners.

Among its demands, UTAG is calling for the removal of GTEC’s top officials, the reversal of contentious directives, and the swift implementation of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 through a Legislative Instrument.

It also urged the protection of existing post-retirement arrangements and greater stakeholder engagement in regulatory decisions.

UTAG has warned that failure to address these concerns within 14 days could result in further action.