The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has announced the resumption of the acceptance of new program accreditation applications from public and technical universities. This move comes after a temporary halt initiated in September 2023 to address and rectify issues stemming from consistent failures by certain institutions to adhere to established accreditation standards.
The halt was primarily aimed at ensuring the quality and credibility of academic programs offered by higher education institutions in Ghana. Professor Ahmed Abdulai Jinapor, the Director-General of GTEC, confirmed that the suspension has been lifted following the successful processing of a significant backlog and the re-accreditation of programs whose accreditation had lapsed.
Starting February 1, 2024, GTEC will begin accepting new applications for program accreditation. Professor Jinapor highlighted the commission’s achievement in accrediting nearly a thousand programs in the last quarter alone, emphasizing the rigorous efforts undertaken to streamline the accreditation process.
The decision to lift the suspension was influenced by findings in the 2022 Auditor-General’s report, which pointed out the existence of numerous programs running without proper accreditation across public universities. The report’s revelations prompted a critical evaluation of the accreditation process and the implementation of measures to enhance efficiency and accountability among tertiary institutions.
To facilitate the smooth reintroduction of new program accreditations, GTEC has established an Acceleration Board tasked with expediting the review and approval process. This initiative has been well received by the Technical Universities’ Vice-Chancellors Association, signaling a collective commitment to enhancing the quality of tertiary education in Ghana.
Professor Kwadwo Appiah Adinkra, Vice Chancellor of Sunyani Technical University, expressed optimism about the improved accreditation process, noting the significant improvements in communication and efficiency compared to previous practices.
GTEC, however, issued a stern warning to educational institutions against offering unaccredited programs, emphasizing the severe implications for students and graduates, including potential ineligibility for mandatory national service and employment challenges. The commission is collaborating with the national service secretariat to enforce these measures, underscoring the critical importance of accreditation in maintaining educational standards and safeguarding the interests of students and the wider educational ecosystem in Ghana.