Public universities must reopen by October 16 despite GAUA, TUSAAG strike – GTEC directs

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has mandated all public universities to resume operations for the 2026/2027 academic year by October 16, 2026, despite ongoing protests by the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) and the Teachers Union of Ghana (TUSAAG). This directive came in a letter to all Vice-Chancellors on October 13, relaying a decision made by the Minister for Education on the same day.

The Ministry recognized the difficulties posed by the strike but underscored the severe consequences of halting academic activities indefinitely for students, institutions, national education delivery, and international academic partnerships. GTEC announced that the Ministries of Education and Finance, along with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, are engaged in discussions with GAUA leadership to expedite the resolution of grievances.

All public universities are required to reopen their campuses on October 16, with classes commencing on October 19, as per each institution's academic schedule. GAUA members are asked to continue their administrative tasks while negotiations with the government proceed honestly. The letter required Vice-Chancellors to submit detailed Academic Reopening Readiness Reports to the Director-General's office by October 14, outlining plans for student registration, accommodation, teaching, learning, and administrative services.

Institutions facing difficulties were instructed to notify GTEC immediately, detailing the issue and steps being taken to address it.