By Maxwell Awumah, GNA
Ho, May 5, GNA The Technical University Teachers’ Association of Ghana (TUTAG) has called on government to prioritise the retooling and resourcing of existing underfunded universities, describing it as a matter of national urgency.
At its Extraordinary Congress held at Kumasi Technical University, TUTAG emphasised that empowering already established institutions would improve access, quality, programme delivery, research capacity, and graduate outcomes, while ensuring value for money in public investment in higher education.
In a communiqué signed by Professor Deodat Emilson Adenutsi, President, and Dr Francis Fonyee Nutsugah, General Secretary, the Association urged a balanced and sustainable approach to university expansion.
While not opposed to the establishment of new universities where genuine need exists, TUTAG cautioned that such moves must be guided by careful planning and evidence-based decision-making.
It noted that there was the need for a balanced and sustainable approach to university expansion to promote access, equity, quality, institutional viability, and efficient use of public resources.
“TUTAG remains available for constructive engagement with Government, the Ministry of Education, Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), University Councils, and other he communiqué also raised concerns about recent changes to rollover and post-retirement contract arrangements for faculty members.
TUTAG noted that the suspension of these practices had created financial and emotional hardship for affected lecturers, including reported arrears of up to 21 months.
The Association appealed to the Ministries of Education and Finance, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department to resolve outstanding payments by May 29, 2026, to preserve institutional harmony and sustain academic work.
TUTAG highlighted issues of regulatory clarity, citing inconsistent recognition of academic qualifications and directives perceived as bypassing established governance processes.
The Association stressed the need for transparent communication, respect for institutional autonomy, and adherence to due process in all matters affecting technical universities.
The Communiqué urged the National Labour Commission to facilitate urgent engagement among all relevant parties, including TUTAG, FWSC, GTEC, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance, the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department, Vice-Chancellors, and other stakeholders.
It noted that such engagement should aim at clarifying the interpretation and implementation of the 2024 Conditions of Service, resolving outstanding payment matters, and preserving fairness, predictability, and good-faith labour relations.
The Communiqué said Congress took note of concerns relating to the exercise of regulatory authority over Technical Universities, including the reported removal of Bolgatanga Technical University from the website of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission on 16th January 2026.
It Ministry of Education and GTEC to clarify the circumstances surrounding the matter and to take appropriate steps to safeguard institutional credibility, public confidence, and adherence to due process adding that the Association remained committed to supporting regulatory compliance, institutional accountability, and fairness in the treatment of all Technical Universities.
The communiqué concluded with a call for constructive engagement among government, GTEC, university councils, and management to ensure reforms are pursued through proper consultation and negotiation.
TUTAG reaffirmed its commitment to supporting accountability, fairness, and the strengthening of Ghana’s tertiary education system.
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei
[email protected]