Accra, Dec. 2, GNA – The Private University Founders Association (PUFA) has commended the Minister of Education, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, and the Ministry for steps taken to address long-standing concerns of private universities.
A statement issued by the Association and signed by its Executive Secretary, Dr Martin K. Gyambrah, said the Ministry was finalising a Cabinet Memo to amend the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), to make the chartering process optional for private tertiary institutions.
PUFA described the proposed amendment as a landmark shift that would ease what it termed the restrictive and cumbersome nature of the current chartering framework. It said the flexibility to opt out of charter acquisition would promote innovation and enhance the contribution of private universities to national development.
The statement said the Association also welcomed the Minister’s recognition of the role of private institutions in expanding access to higher education.
It said the reaffirmed commitment to Access, Relevance and Quality (ARQ), under the supervision of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), represented a balanced approach that supported institutional growth while maintaining academic standards.
PUFA further acknowledged the support of Parliament’s Select Committee on Education, chaired by Mr Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, noting that the Committee’s advocacy for optional chartering reflected broad stakeholder consensus.
It said the Chairman cited research indicating that government saved about GH₵50,000 per student enrolled in private universities, demonstrating the economic value of private tertiary education.
“PUFA stands ready to collaborate with the Ministry and all stakeholders to strengthen Ghana’s tertiary education sector and advance meaningful reforms,” the statement added.
GNA