GTEC Cracks Down on Unaccredited Study Centres: UCC, UEW, and UDS Affected

Ferdinand | EducationGhana | October 11 | GTEC Cracks Down on Unaccredited Study Centres: UCC, UEW, and UDS Affected

In a decisive move to maintain academic standards, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has announced that tertiary institutions running programmes at unaccredited centres risk having their accreditation revoked. The directive aims to curb the growing trend of unaccredited satellite centres operating across Ghana.

In an exclusive interview with Daily Graphic, the Director-General of GTEC, Professor Abdulai Jinapor, highlighted that accreditation is institution-specific, making it illegal for universities to operate in centres that are not accredited. The unapproved centres are often found in senior high schools, colleges of education, churches, and even company premises, including unconventional locations like Nsawam Prisons.

Affected Institutions

Three of Ghana’s major public universities have been ordered to cease enrolling students in a total of 160 unaccredited study centres. These institutions include the University of Cape Coast (UCC), University for Development Studies (UDS), and University of Education, Winneba (UEW).

• University of Cape Coast (UCC): 91 centres
• University of Education, Winneba (UEW): 48 centres
• University for Development Studies (UDS): 21 centres

Among the UCC’s 91 centres are high-profile locations like Dreamfield International School in Sunyani, Fountainhead University College in Tema, and several senior high schools across the country.

Full List of Unapproved Centres

According to GTEC, these universities are operating in several unaccredited locations, including educational institutions such as Holy Child College of Education in Takoradi and Tamale College of Education. A detailed list can be found on the Graphic website, with notable names including:

• UCC: Great Victory Academy in Bolgatanga, Holy Trinity Lutheran School in Kumasi, Mawuli School in Ho, and Wa Senior High School in Wa.
• UDS: Tamale (Dungu Campus), Damongo Agricultural College, and Bimbilla Senior High School.
• UEW: Accra Academy Senior High School, Offinso College of Education, and Dormaa Ahenkro Senior High School.

91 unaccredited study centres under the University of Cape Coast

Here is a list of the 21 unaccredited centres under the University for Development Studies (UDS) along with their respective locations:

1. Benso College of Education – Benso, Western Region
2. Bia Lamplighter College of Education – Sefwi Debiso, Western North Region
3. College of Community Health Nursing – Winneba, Central Region
4. Enchi College of Education – Enchi, Western North Region
5. E.P. College of Education – Bimbilla, Northern Region
6. Fosu College of Education – Assin Fosu, Central Region
7. Holy Spirit College of Education – Ho, Volta Region
8. Jasikan College of Education – Jasikan, Oti Region
9. Kibi Presbyterian College of Education – Kibi, Eastern Region
10. Mount Mary College of Education – Somanya, Eastern Region
11. N.J. Ahmadiyya College of Education – Wa, Upper West Region
12. Offinso College of Education – Offinso, Ashanti Region
13. Presbyterian College of Education, Akropong – Akropong, Eastern Region
14. SDA College of Education – Agona, Ashanti Region
15. St. Ambrose College of Education – Dormaa Akwamu, Bono Region
16. St. Joseph College of Education – Bechem, Ahafo Region
17. St. Louis College of Education – Kumasi, Ashanti Region
18. St. Monica’s College of Education – Mampong, Ashanti Region
19. Tamale College of Education – Tamale, Northern Region
20. Wesley College of Education – Kumasi, Ashanti Region
21. Wiawso College of Education – Sefwi Wiawso, Western North Region

These centres currently lack accreditation under UDS for the specific courses offer

This is a list of unaccredited study centers associated with the University for Development Studies (UDS):

1. Tamale (Dungu Campus) – University for Development Studies (UDS)
2. Damongo Agriculture College, Damongo – University for Development Studies (UDS)
3. Buipe Senior High Technical School, Buipe – University for Development Studies (UDS)
4. UDS Daboya Study Centre, Daboya – University for Development Studies (UDS)
5. Dagbon State Senior High School, Dagbon – University for Development Studies (UDS)
6. Evangelical Presbyterian College of Education, Bimbilla – University for Development Studies (UDS)
7. Bimbilla Senior High School, Bimbilla – University for Development Studies (UDS)
8. UDS Kpassa Study Centre, Kpassa-Oti Region – University for Development Studies (UDS)
9. UDS Nkwanta Study Centre, Nkwanta-Oti Region – University for Development Studies (UDS)
10. UDS Chinderi Study Centre, Oti Region – University for Development Studies (UDS)
11. UDS Kpandai Study Centre – University for Development Studies (UDS)
12. UDS Jirapa Study Centre, Jirapa – University for Development Studies (UDS)
13. UDS Wa Study Centre, Wa – University for Development Studies (UDS)
14. Sawla Girls Vocational Institute, Sawla – University for Development Studies (UDS)
15. UDS Wenchi Study Centre – University for Development Studies (UDS)
16. UDS Walewale Study Centre – University for Development Studies (UDS)
17. UDS Nankpanduri Study Centre – University for Development Studies (UDS)
18. UDS Bawku Study Centre, Bawku – University for Development Studies (UDS)
19. UDS Navrongo Study Centre, Navrongo – University for Development Studies (UDS)
20. UDS Sandema Study Centre, Sandema – University for Development Studies (UDS)
21. UDS Salaga Study Centre, Salaga

These centers have not been accredited by the relevant authorities and may not meet the required educational standards.

GTEC’s Warning

Professor Jinapor stressed that accredited programmes must be run only at accredited centres. Any university found defying this directive will face severe consequences, including revocation of accreditation for the affected programmes. This, he says, will ensure that students receive quality education aligned with national standards.

This crackdown is seen as a necessary step to safeguard Ghana’s tertiary education system, ensuring that students enroll in recognized institutions and receive degrees that hold value locally and internationally.

Consequences and Compliance

Professor Jinapor emphasized that accredited programs are institution-specific and must be delivered at the premises approved by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). If universities offer programs outside these accredited locations, they risk losing accreditation, which could severely affect their ability to continue offering certain programs. This underscores the importance of strict adherence to GTEC’s regulations to safeguard educational quality.

GTEC’s Position on Non-Compliance

GTEC is dedicated to maintaining the standards of tertiary education in Ghana and is prepared to take action against non-compliant institutions. If a university fails to comply, GTEC may revoke its accreditation, which could have serious consequences for both the institution and its students, especially those enrolled at unapproved centers. Such students may face disruptions in their studies, and institutions could lose credibility, which might take years to recover.

GTEC’s Directive to Institutions

As part of its crackdown, GTEC has directed the affected universities to stop admitting new students into these unapproved study centers immediately. The universities are urged to seek accreditation for their centers before offering programs at these locations. GTEC’s directive is a firm reminder of the need for universities to operate within the regulatory framework governing tertiary education in Ghana.

Future Outlook

This GTEC initiative marks the beginning of a broader strategy to enhance compliance in tertiary education. As the commission intensifies its scrutiny of institutions operating unapproved satellite centers, it is expected that more universities may face penalties. This will push institutions to realign with regulatory standards, ensuring that students receive high-quality education in accredited environments.

Stakeholder Vigilance

Both students and stakeholders in Ghana’s education sector are advised to remain vigilant. It is crucial to verify the accreditation status of institutions and study centers before enrolling in any program to avoid future disruptions or the risk of attending substandard educational institutions.

GTEC’s actions reflect a significant step toward enhancing the overall integrity and quality of Ghana’s tertiary education system.