In an unfolding drama at the Bolgatanga Technical University, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has stepped in to halt major decisions made by the university’s Governing Council concerning the fate of its Vice Chancellor and Registrar.
It all began with a circular dated December 15, 2025. The Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Bishop Akolgo, instructed Professor Samuel Erasmus Alnaa, the Vice Chancellor, to proceed on a one-year accumulated leave, starting December 19, 2025. The council explained its directive as a standard governance practice, designed to create an atmosphere of calm, reflection, and institutional healing.
However, GTEC responded swiftly, raising concerns about the unprecedented nature of the decision. The Commission warned that directing a Vice Chancellor to take a year-long leave based on petitions was not only unusual but could also have unforeseen negative consequences for the university. GTEC underscored the significance of the Vice Chancellor’s office, stressing that such directives should not be issued through a mere circular to the university community.
The same council meeting also resolved to appoint Mr. Richard Abugre Atia, the Acting Registrar, as the substantive Registrar effective January 1, 2026. Yet, GTEC revealed that Mr. Atia had not met the required pass mark set by the university’s interview panel for the position.
In light of these developments, GTEC has ordered that both decisions made at the emergency council meeting on December 11, 2025, be immediately stayed. The Commission has also demanded all related information and documentation, including the grounds for the Vice Chancellor’s leave and the interview report for the Registrar position, be submitted to GTEC by Friday, December 19, 2025, for further examination and guidance on the next steps.
The intervention by GTEC underscores the critical role of oversight in tertiary education governance, as stakeholders await the Commission’s final advice on the matter.
Attached below are full details from the GTEC letter and that of the Council Chairman of the Bolgatanga Technical University
STAY OF ACTION ON DECISIONS OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE BOLGATANGA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
The attention of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has been drawn to a circular dated 15th December, 2025 addressed to the University Community emanating from the office of the Council Chairman on the above subject.
In the said circular, the Vice Chancellor (VC) of the university is directed to take his accumulated leave informed by some petitions received at the university. Sir, the Commission finds this directive unprecedented and potentially problematic as that can create unforeseen negative consequences. This is because, the office of the Vice Chancellor is a very important office within the university architecture and directing the occupant of such an office through a circular to the university community to proceed on leave is unacceptable.
Again, in the referenced circular, Mr. Richard Abugre Atia, the Acting Registrar of the University, is deemed to have been appointed the substantive Registrar effective 1st January, 2026. Sir, GTEC is reliably informed that Mr. Richard Abugri Atia did not make the pass mark as set by the interview panel constituted to conduct interviews for that position.
Informed by the above, the Commission hereby directs that the two decisions reached at the emergency council meeting held on the 11th of December, 2025 be STAYED. The Commission further requests that all necessary information and documentation leading to the Vice Chancellor being asked to take his accumulated leave, and the interview report for the position of Registrar, should be presented to GTEC for study and advice on the next line of action latest by Friday, 19th December, 2025.
In the meantime, Professor Samuel E. Alnaa remains the substantive Vice Chancellor of the Bolgatanga Technical University and is deemed to be at post until he decides to take his annual leave. Also, Mr. Richard Abugre Atia cannot assume office as Registrar until all the issues bordering on his appointment are resolved.
Yours faithfully,
Prof Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai
Dear Prof Alnaa.
DIRECTIVE TO PROCEED ON ACCUMULATED LEAVEThe Governing Council at its meeting held on 11th December, 2025 considered matters relating to institutional stability, staff morale, and the ongoing efforts to restore a peaceful and conducive environment for academic work and administrative operations.
Council also reviewed your accumulated annual leave entitlement since your appointment in May, 2018 to date which has thus accrued a one-year leave in accordance with the provisions of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 65l) and the University’s Human Resource Policy.
In line with standard governance practice in tertiary institutions and guided by the need to create a calm atmosphere for reflection, reconciliation, and institutional healing, Council hereby directs that you proceed on your accumulated leave effective 19th December 2025 to 18th December 2026.
The purpose of this leave period is to:
- Allow you the opportunity for well-deserved rest and reflection;
- Provide space for ongoing peace and reconciliation processes to take root;
- Enhance confidence-building measures across the University community.
During your leave, the Pro Vice Chancellor shall act in accordance with the University Statutes.
We appreciate your service to the University and trust that this intervention will contribute positively to our collective objective of ensuring harmony, restoring confidence, and promoting the stability required for the University’s transformational agenda.
We count on your cooperation.
Respectfully,
Dr Bishop Akolgo
Chairman, Governing CouncilSource: Apexnewsgh.com
