Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, has raised concerns over what he describes as a violation of his data privacy rights, following the alleged release of portions of his past academic assessment records by the University of Education, Winneba (UEW).

Sources indicate that the documents in question include an assessor’s report from his time as a lecturer at UEW, which purportedly rated some of his academic publications as below standard and did not recommend him for promotion.

 Prof. Jinapor argues that circulating such internal assessment materials without his consent breaches established data protection protocols.

The development comes at a time when the tertiary education sector is grappling with a broader controversy surrounding unrecognised certificates and the disclosure of academic credentials by GTEC without the consent of the individuals involved.

 Critics have pointed out what they view as an inconsistency, noting that Prof. Jinapor has been at the forefront of releasing information about others in the ongoing “fake certificates” saga, yet is now seeking redress for similar actions taken against him.

In a formal letter to UEW, the GTEC boss reportedly demanded an explanation for the alleged disclosure, insisting that the university acted improperly by making confidential information available to third parties.

 His petition has further intensified debate within academic circles.

While some academics believe the issue highlights longstanding concerns about promotion processes and regulatory authority in tertiary institutions, others say the matter reinforces the need for strict and impartial enforcement of Ghana’s Data Protection Act—especially by institutions and regulators who oversee compliance.

Critics have also questioned the timing of Prof. Jinapor’s complaint, pointing out that he did not challenge the assessor’s decision during his time at UEW but is now contesting the matter as head of the regulatory body. 

Supporters, however, argue that irrespective of timing, every individual is entitled to the protection of their personal data—though they stress that this principle must apply uniformly.

The controversy continues to evolve, with stakeholders awaiting further clarifications from both GTEC and UEW.

More to come.