GTEC orders public universities to reopen October 16 as gov’t engages GAUA

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has ordered all public universities to reopen for the 2026/2027 academic year by Friday, October 16, despite ongoing industrial action involving the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) and TUSAAG.

The directive, dated Tuesday, October 13, 2026, follows concerns about the impact of the indefinite suspension of academic activities on students and the wider tertiary education system.

GTEC said universities must reopen by the deadline, irrespective of earlier decisions to postpone the academic year, with lectures expected to begin on Monday, October 19.

The Commission stated that “all public universities are hereby directed to comply with the following mandatory requirements” under a directive issued by the Education Minister.

GTEC disclosed that the government had initiated engagements with GAUA’s leadership to resolve outstanding grievances, with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) involved in the process.

“The Commission wishes to inform all public universities that the Government, through the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance and Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), has initiated engagements with the leadership of GAUA to facilitate the expeditious resolution of all outstanding grievances.”

The Commission also called on university administrators to return to work while negotiations continue.

“Members of the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) are requested to resume their administrative duties within the framework of the ongoing good-faith negotiations between the Government and the Association.”

However, the directive does not state that the outstanding grievances have been fully resolved.

In acknowledging the disruption caused by the industrial action, the Commission said the indefinite suspension of academic activities had far-reaching consequences.

“While acknowledging the administrative challenges arising from the industrial action of GAUA and TUSAAG, the Ministry has emphasised that the indefinite suspension of academic activities has far-reaching implications for students’ academic progression, institutional operations, national tertiary education delivery and international academic partnerships.”

GTEC has directed university governing councils and management teams to ensure that lectures begin as scheduled.

“Governing Councils and Management of all public universities shall ensure that academic activities, particularly lectures, commence without fail on Monday, 19th October 2026, in accordance with their respective academic arrangements.”

Universities have also been instructed to prepare essential facilities ahead of students’ return.

“Management of all public universities shall ensure that halls of residence, academic libraries, departmental registration desks and other essential student support facilities are fully staffed and operational by Thursday, 15th October 2026, to facilitate a smooth registration process and the effective resumption of academic activities.”