Haruna Iddrisu sets up committee to probe UTAG allegations against GTEC boss

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has constituted a three-member committee to investigate allegations raised by the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) against the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).

The move follows UTAG’s recent press conference in which the association raised concerns over GTEC’s regulatory conduct and called for the removal of its Director-General and Deputy Director-General.

In a statement issued on April 13, 2026, the Ministry said the committee will examine the issues raised and present recommendations for consideration by President John Dramani Mahama.

“The Ministry of Education has taken note of the concerns raised by the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) at their recent press conference,” the statement said.

It added that, “To ensure informed decision on UTAG’s concerns, the Honourable Minister for Education has constituted a three-member committee to investigate UTAG’s allegations and related matters and make appropriate recommendations for the consideration of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama.”

The committee is chaired by the Deputy Minister for Education, Clement Apaak. Other members include Professor George K.T. Oduro, Technical Advisor to the Ministry of Education, and Professor Mahama Duweijua, Board Chairman of GTEC.

“The committee is chaired by the Deputy Minister for Education, Honourable Clement Apaak, and is composed of Professor George K.T Oduro, Technical Advisor to the Ministry of Education, and the Board Chairman of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) Professor Mahama Duweijua,” the statement added.

The Ministry has urged all stakeholders to cooperate fully with the committee as it begins its work, stressing the importance of dialogue in resolving the impasse.

“The Ministry wishes to appeal to all parties concerned to extend their full cooperation to the committee as it undertakes this important assignment. We remain committed to constructive dialogue and to resolving all outstanding issues in the best interest of tertiary education in Ghana.”

UTAG has recently issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government, demanding the removal of the leadership of GTEC and calling for the withdrawal of certain regulatory circulars it considers controversial.

The association argues that the Commission has engaged in regulatory overreach and unilateral decision-making, which it says undermines trust in the tertiary education system.

UTAG National President, Vera Fiador, has called for urgent reforms and stronger stakeholder consultation in regulatory processes.

“We respectfully call on the President for the following reliefs. The Director-General and Deputy Director-General of GTEC must be relieved of their current roles in order to restore confidence in the tertiary education sector and reset regulatory posture,” she said.

Meanwhile, University of Ghana UTAG chapter President, Jerry Joe Harrison, warned that members may withdraw services or take industrial action if their concerns are not addressed.

The Ministry says the committee will engage all parties involved and submit its findings to guide further government action.