President John Dramani Mahama met with University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) leaders on Thursday to address a wide array of concerns affecting higher education. According to MyJoyOnline, the delegation, headed by UTAG National President Professor Vera Ogeh Fiador, presented issues at the Presidency. The discussion covered lecturer welfare, recruitment bottlenecks, research funding, and significant friction with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). UTAG sought government intervention on these matters, highlighting the urgent need for structural improvements in the sector.
A primary focus was the conflict between UTAG and the GTEC. Professor Fiador argued that the regulator had overstepped its bounds, encroaching on university autonomy and daily management. She maintained that while quality assurance is necessary, the commission must respect the independence of academic institutions. President Mahama acknowledged the tension, stating that the government is ready to facilitate discussions to find common ground between the union and the regulator. He emphasized the need to balance oversight with the academic independence of universities.
The Education Minister addressed the specific dispute with the GTEC Director-General, noting that an arbitration panel led by Deputy Minister Dr Clement Apaak is working to resolve the issue. He assured the lecturers that the government prioritizes providing the infrastructure and support needed to uphold academic freedom. The minister’s comments aimed to reassure the association that the state remains committed to protecting the integrity of higher education institutions against external interference.
Regarding recruitment delays, the President explained that strict budget controls on public sector compensation had limited new appointments. He expressed hope that economic recovery would eventually expand resources, allowing for better service conditions. On housing, Mahama announced plans to partner with private investors to build student hostels on campuses. He also called for an amicable resolution to the UTAG-GTEC dispute to stabilize the tertiary education landscape.