UTAG-UG accuses GTEC of threatening academic freedom with faculty recruitment drive

The University Teachers’ Association of Ghana (UTAG-UG) has criticized the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) for attempting to overstep its regulatory role by conducting a recruitment drive for teaching faculty positions at public universities. In a statement released on September 9, 2026, UTAG-UG expressed concern that GTEC's initiative threatens academic freedom and the self-governance of higher education institutions.

The association noted that GTEC had advertised for applicants with terminal degrees to fill teaching positions at various public universities and colleges of education, requiring applications to be submitted directly to the Commission. UTAG-UG warned that this arrangement could lead to political interference in the appointment process, potentially undermining the independence and accountability of universities.

The association further contended that GTEC lacks the necessary expertise to select appropriate candidates for specialized academic positions and that the Commission's leadership is attempting to exert greater control over public universities. UTAG-UG highlighted the pressing issues facing university lecturers, such as unpaid Book and Research Allowance (BRA) for 2026 and ongoing promotion arrears, which have already sparked discussions about potential industrial action.

The association argued that these recruitment efforts reflect a broader pattern of attempts by GTEC to increase its influence over public higher education institutions, similar to the controversial provisions of a previously rejected Public Universities Bill. UTAG-UG called on the government to intervene and ensure that GTEC respects the autonomy of public universities, emphasizing that institutions possess their own governance structures capable of identifying and hiring qualified academic staff without external interference.