The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has given President John Dramani Mahama a 14-day ultimatum to respond to its petition seeking the removal of the leadership of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), warning of possible industrial action if its concerns are not addressed.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, UTAG National President, Prof. Vera Ogeh Fiador, criticised the Presidency for failing to acknowledge a petition the association submitted on February 17, 2026.
“It has been almost two months since we submitted our petition, and we have not even received an acknowledgement,” she said. “At this point, we can only assume either it has not reached the President or it has been ignored.”
UTAG is calling for the removal of GTEC Director-General, Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, and his deputy, Prof. Augustine Ocloo, citing what it describes as governance failures and regulatory overreach.
According to the association, the Commission’s leadership has adopted a “command-and-control” approach that undermines the autonomy of public universities and weakens academic freedom.
“UTAG’s assessment is that these actions go beyond GTEC’s regulatory mandate and are now affecting university autonomy, staff welfare, and the overall stability and competitiveness of public universities,” Prof. Fiador said.
The association argues that GTEC has increasingly issued unilateral directives and interfered in matters that should fall within the authority of university councils and academic boards.
UTAG insists it is not opposed to regulation but is calling for a more balanced and consultative approach to managing the tertiary education sector.
“Globally, regulators are expected to set minimum standards, not micromanage institutions, and to operate through consultation rather than directives,” the association said.
It warned that failure to address the issues raised could escalate tensions across the tertiary education sector and disrupt academic activities.
UTAG says the 14-day ultimatum is intended to give the Presidency time to respond, but cautions that further action may be taken if the concerns remain unresolved.