President John Dramani Mahama has extended a reassuring hand to the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), promising that his administration will collaborate with both the association and the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to address ongoing disagreements over university governance and regulation.
At a meeting held at the Presidency with UTAG leadership, President Mahama acknowledged the concerns raised by university lecturers about aspects of GTEC’s regulatory activities. He emphasized the government’s commitment to facilitating constructive dialogue between UTAG and GTEC to ensure that regulatory requirements for tertiary education do not compromise the independence and autonomy of Ghana’s universities.
“We understand the need for effective oversight to maintain standards and promote quality education,” President Mahama remarked. “However, regulatory responsibilities must not be interpreted as a license to interfere in the internal administration of our universities.”
The President’s intervention comes at a time when UTAG and GTEC are locked in disagreement over the extent of GTEC’s mandate and its impact on institutional governance. While GTEC is tasked with ensuring compliance, quality assurance, and accountability in Ghana’s tertiary education sector, UTAG has expressed concern that some of the Commission’s directives risk encroaching on the authority of university governing bodies.
President Mahama stressed that the goal is to strike a balance, preserving universities’ freedom to manage their own affairs while ensuring that national standards are upheld. He called for open discussions and mutual understanding as the way forward.
UTAG’s concerns center on the fear that regulatory requirements could undermine institutional autonomy and academic freedom, principles the President said his administration is determined to protect even as it pursues improvements in higher education governance.
As talks between government, UTAG, and GTEC continue, the President’s assurance offers hope for a resolution that safeguards both the quality and independence of Ghana’s universities.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com