The Technical University Teachers’ Association of Ghana (TUTAG) has cautioned against regulatory overreaches that undermine institutional autonomy and governance in the country’s technical universities.
In a communiqué signed by Prof. Deodat Emilson Adenutsi, National President, and Dr. Francis Fonyee Nutsugah, General Secretary, at the close of its recent Extraordinary Congress at Kumasi Technical University, the Association expressed grave concern over directives and regulatory actions by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and other agencies. It warned that bypassing established governance structures of Technical Universities risks eroding confidence among Councils, Managements, faculty, and students.
The Association pointed to the reported removal of Bolgatanga Technical University from GTEC’s official website as an example of regulatory action that could damage institutional credibility and heighten anxiety among stakeholders. It further highlighted contradictory communications regarding academic certificate evaluations, stressing that inconsistent recognition of qualifications threatens staff morale and career progression.
“Where regulatory directives or interventions appear to affect the lawful functions of Councils and Managements, such matters should be clarified through proper engagement, transparent communication, and adherence to due process,” the communiqué stated.
Beyond governance concerns, the Association also raised issues relating to post‑retirement contracts, unilateral variations in conditions of service, and dissatisfaction with responses from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission. It urged Government to prioritize resourcing existing universities before establishing new ones, noting that several institutions remain under‑resourced.
TUTAG’s caution comes in the wake of recent calls by its counterpart, the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), for the removal of GTEC’s leadership over what UTAG described as attempts by the regulator to “micro‑manage” public tertiary institutions.
