UTAG Gives Mahama 14-Day Ultimatum Over GTEC Leadership
University teachers warn of possible unrest as they demand response to petition on governance concerns
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to President John Dramani Mahama to respond to its petition seeking the removal of the leadership of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, UTAG National President, Vera Ogeh Fiador, criticised the Presidency for failing to acknowledge the petition submitted on February 17, 2026.
She expressed concern that nearly two months after submission, there has been no official response, suggesting either the petition was not forwarded to the President or it has been ignored.
UTAG is calling for the dismissal of GTEC Director-General, Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, and his deputy, Augustine Ocloo, citing what it describes as governance failures and excessive regulatory control.
According to the association, GTEC’s current leadership has adopted a rigid, top-down approach that undermines the autonomy of public universities and threatens academic freedom.
UTAG argued that these actions deviate from the commission’s regulatory role, claiming they negatively impact staff welfare, institutional stability, and the competitiveness of Ghana’s tertiary education sector.
The association further accused GTEC of overstepping its mandate by issuing unilateral directives and interfering in decisions that should be handled by university governing bodies such as councils and academic boards.
It clarified that its demands are not a rejection of regulation, but a call for a more consultative and balanced approach in managing the sector, in line with international best practices.
UTAG warned that failure to address its concerns within the 14-day period could escalate tensions within the tertiary education space and potentially lead to industrial unrest.
