Ghana Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Proposes Optional Presidential Chartering for Private Universities

Introduction

In a significant shift for Ghana’s higher education landscape, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has announced plans to finalize a cabinet memo seeking approval to amend the Presidential Charter system. This reform aims to make chartering non-obligatory for private universities, addressing long-standing concerns from private tertiary institutions about the cumbersome process. Published on November 26, 2025, by Life Pulse Daily, this development highlights efforts to enhance access, relevance, and quality (ARQ) in Ghana’s tertiary education sector.

The proposal responds to feedback from private universities, which argue that the current mandatory Presidential Charter—Ghana’s highest accreditation granting full autonomy to award degrees—impedes their operations. By making presidential chartering optional for private universities in Ghana, the Ministry of Education seeks to foster growth while maintaining oversight through the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). This move could transform how private institutions contribute to expanding higher education access nationwide.

Background on Ghana’s Tertiary Education Reforms

Ghana’s education system has seen rapid growth in private tertiary enrollments, complementing public universities. However, regulatory hurdles like mandatory chartering have sparked debates. Minister Iddrisu’s initiative builds on recommendations from the Kwaku Ansa-Asare Committee, potentially offering a 10-year moratorium or full optionality.

Analysis

The push to make college chartering optional in Ghana stems from practical challenges faced by private universities. The existing framework under Act 102(3) of 2020 requires a rigorous Presidential Charter process, described by stakeholders as restrictive and bureaucratic. This delays operations and limits institutional agility, despite private universities’ proven role in easing government burdens.

During a stakeholder engagement in Accra reviewing the Ansa-Asare Committee report, Minister Iddrisu emphasized the ministry’s near-completion of a cabinet memo. He noted urgency might lead to direct executive approval from President John Dramani Mahama. This analysis reveals a balanced approach: recognizing private sector contributions while upholding standards via GTEC oversight.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Parliament’s Select Committee on Education Chairman, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, endorsed the reform as “long overdue.” Their nationwide tour in May revealed consensus among private university owners and students for optional chartering. Ranking member Dr. Yaw Adutwum echoed this, opposing forced chartering.

Economically, private institutions save the government substantial costs—approximately GH₵50,000 per student—by absorbing enrollments that public infrastructure could not handle. For instance, even modest fees like GH₵5,000 per student highlight the scalability issue for state-funded facilities.

Summary

Ghana’s Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu is advancing a cabinet memo to amend laws making presidential chartering non-mandatory for private universities. Prompted by complaints over procedural burdens, the reform follows Ansa-Asare Committee insights and parliamentary support. Key goals include boosting private sector efficiency, ensuring GTEC quality assurance, and aligning with ARQ principles. No compromises on standards, with potential executive action for speed.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For private university operators in Ghana considering the optional chartering reform, prioritize GTEC accreditation as the baseline for operations. Here’s actionable guidance:

Steps for Non-Chartered Institutions

• Strengthen internal quality controls to meet GTEC minimum standards, preparing for enhanced oversight.
• Document contributions to access (e.g., enrollment data) to leverage during policy transitions.
• Engage with the Ministry of Education for updates on the cabinet memo and amendment timeline.

Advice for Students and Parents

Verify institutional GTEC accreditation before enrollment. Optional chartering does not lower bars; focus on programs aligning with ARQ—access to relevant, high-quality education.

Operational Tips for University Leaders

Invest in infrastructure scalable to enrollment demands, mirroring the GH₵5,000-per-student example. Use saved time from optional processes to innovate curricula, enhancing relevance in Ghana’s job market.

Points of Caution

While optional private universities chartering in Ghana promises flexibility, risks remain. Institutions must not view this as deregulation; GTEC oversight will intensify quality checks. Avoid complacency—failure to meet standards could lead to sanctions.

Quality Assurance Risks

Minister Iddrisu stressed “no compromise on minimum standards.” Private universities should audit programs against GTEC benchmarks to prevent enrollment dips from perceived quality issues.

Financial and Enrollment Warnings

High enrollments amplify government savings but strain private resources. Ensure sustainable fee structures, as over-reliance on volume without infrastructure invites regulatory scrutiny.

Comparison

Comparing chartered and non-chartered private universities in Ghana reveals trade-offs under the proposed optional system.

Chartered Universities

Pros: Full autonomy for degree awards; highest prestige; easier international recognition.
Cons: Lengthy, costly process; bureaucratic delays slowing expansion.

Non-Chartered (GTEC-Accredited)

Pros: Faster setup; operational agility; lower initial hurdles post-reform.
Cons: Limited autonomy; reliant on GTEC for certifications; potential stigma despite quality.

Parliamentary tours confirmed both types deliver value, with optionality positioning non-chartered ones to thrive economically.

Legal Implications

The reform directly targets Act 102(3) of 2020, governing Presidential Charters as the pinnacle of tertiary accreditation in Ghana. Amending this via cabinet memo or presidential executive approval requires legislative alignment but sets precedent for flexible regulation.

Process and Enforceability

Cabinet approval formalizes changes; executive action accelerates amid urgency. GTEC’s role strengthens under the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, ensuring enforceability. Private universities gain legal clarity: chartering optional, but accreditation mandatory. No retroactive impacts stated; existing charters remain valid.

This upholds Ghana’s Constitution on education access (Article 25) while balancing private sector rights.

Conclusion

Ghana Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu’s proposal to make presidential chartering optional for private universities marks a pivotal reform, easing burdens while safeguarding quality through GTEC. Supported by parliament and rooted in Ansa-Asare recommendations, it amplifies private contributions—saving GH₵50,000 per student and expanding access. As the cabinet memo advances, stakeholders must prioritize ARQ to realize a thriving tertiary ecosystem. This balanced evolution promises enhanced relevance and growth in Ghana’s higher education.

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