University of Ghana Suspends Admissions at Six Centres Over Accreditation Problems

Introduction

On December 3, 2025, the University of Ghana (UG) announced a critical operational update: admissions into six of its regional learning centres have been formally suspended for the 2026/27 academic year. This decisive action follows a directive from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Ghana’s primary regulatory body for higher education, which identified severe accreditation deficiencies at these locations.

The affected centres—located in Koforidua, Cape Coast, Tamale, Ho/Tsito, Wa, and Sunyani—have been explicitly flagged for operating without proper accreditation. GTEC’s public warning emphasizes that any qualifications obtained from these centres will not be recognized by employers, governmental agencies, or other academic institutions. This development impacts prospective students, academic planners, and the broader reputation of Ghana’s premier public university.

Below, we provide a comprehensive, SEO-optimized analysis of this developing story, including actionable advice for affected students, regulatory context, and the University’s roadmap for resolution. Our coverage integrates verified statements from UG’s Dean of Distance Education, Prof. Olivia Kwapong, and official GTEC communications to ensure accuracy and transparency.

Analysis

GTEC’s Regulatory Role and Accreditation Standards

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) operates as the cornerstone of quality assurance in Ghanaian higher education. Its accreditation process verifies that academic programmes meet national benchmarks for curriculum design, faculty qualifications, infrastructure, and administrative governance. For distance learning and regional study centres, GTEC’s scrutiny is especially rigorous, given the logistical complexities of off-campus education.

In this instance, GTEC’s inspection revealed that the six UG centres failed to satisfy essential accreditation criteria. While UG acknowledges these findings, the specific deficiencies—such as inadequate lecture spaces, insufficient faculty deployment, or incomplete administrative systems—are not publicly detailed in the original statement. However, Prof. Kwapong confirmed that GTEC has supplied a comprehensive list of required corrections.

Immediate Impact on Admissions and Student Enrollment

The suspension applies exclusively to new admissions for the 2026/27 academic year. Continuing students already enrolled at the affected centres will not face displacement. GTEC’s standard policy permits institutions to “teach out” existing cohorts, allowing them to complete their programmes and receive diplomas as planned.

Prof. Kwapong clarified: “We won’t admit new students into these centres until all accreditation requirements are met. Our priority is compliance, and we respect GTEC’s regulatory authority.” The University has already initiated procurement procedures to address structural upgrades, facility preparations, and staffing enhancements as mandated by GTEC.

Redirection Strategy for Incoming Students

UG has established a clear redistribution plan to accommodate students who might have selected the now-suspended centres. The redirection logic follows regional proximity to minimize disruption:

• Eastern and Volta Regions: Students will be reassigned to the Accra or Tema campuses.
• Northern Zone: Applicants will relocate to the Kumasi centre.
• Coastal and Central Regions: Students will transfer to the Takoradi campus.

This approach aims to balance logistical feasibility with academic continuity, ensuring that all admitted candidates can commence their studies without undue delay.

Summary

In brief, the University of Ghana has halted new enrollments at six regional study centres due to unresolved accreditation issues identified by GTEC. Current students may finish their programmes, while prospective learners will be redirected to accredited campuses. UG is actively pursuing the necessary upgrades to regain GTEC approval, a process that involves structural audits, facility preparations, and compliance verification.

Key Points

Practical Advice for Students and Applicants

Verifying Accreditation Before Enrollment

Potential students are strongly advised to confirm the accreditation status of any Ghanaian university or study centre before submitting applications. The GTEC website (gttec.gov.gh) provides an up-to-date registry of accredited programmes and institutions. Cross-referencing an institution’s name and programme details against this database is a simple yet vital safeguard.

Contacting the University of Ghana Directly

Prospective applicants with queries about the suspension or redirection process should contact UG’s Distance Education Office. Official communication channels include:

• Email: distance@ug.edu.gh
• Phone: +233 244 366 000 (Accra Campus)
• Office Address: Dean of Distance Education, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra

UG’s website (ug.edu.gh) also features a dedicated FAQ section addressing the accreditation suspension.

Documenting Communication for Future Reference

Students who experience disruptions or require formal documentation of their reassignment should retain written records of all communications with UG admissions officers. This documentation may prove useful for visa applications, scholarship claims, or employer verification later.

Points of Caution

Risks of Enrolling at Unaccredited Centres

Choosing an unaccredited study centre carries significant professional and legal risks. Degrees from such institutions may be barred from recognition by public sector employers, accredited universities (for credit transfers), and international academic bodies. In extreme cases, students may face retroactive invalidation of completed coursework if regulatory investigations uncover systemic fraud.

Delays in Accreditation Restoration

While UG has commenced corrective actions, the accreditation restoration process could span several months. Prospective students should factor in potential delays when planning enrollment timelines, particularly if they require timely degree completion for career advancement or immigration purposes.

Comparison: Accredited vs. Unaccredited Study Centres

Operational Differences

Student Support and Resources

Accredited centres benefit from structured academic advising, career services, and IT infrastructure backed by the university. Unaccredited centres often lack these support systems, increasing the risk of administrative disorganization and student isolation.

Legal Implications

Recognition of Qualifications

Under Ghanaian law, only GTEC-accredited programmes confer legally valid tertiary qualifications. Employers, including government ministries and state-owned enterprises, are mandated to verify accreditation status before hiring graduates. Students holding degrees from unaccredited centres may encounter legal challenges when seeking professional licenses or public sector roles.

Institutional Liability

The University of Ghana, as the degree-awarding institution, retains ultimate responsibility for all qualifications issued—even those earned through satellite centres. However, GTEC’s intervention underscores UG’s obligation to ensure that all teaching sites meet national standards. Failure to rectify deficiencies could expose UG to regulatory penalties or reputational damage.

Conclusion

The suspension of admissions at six University of Ghana regional centres underscores the critical importance of accreditation in maintaining educational integrity. While current students can complete their programmes, prospective learners must now redirect to accredited campuses. UG’s commitment to resolving these compliance issues demonstrates its alignment with GTEC’s quality assurance framework.

For anyone considering distance or regional study options in Ghana, meticulous verification of accreditation status remains the single most effective strategy to protect academic investments and career prospects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will current students at the suspended centres lose their progress?

No. Under GTEC’s “teach-out” policy, enrolled students may finish their current programmes and receive degrees from the University of Ghana’s main campus.

Can I appeal the suspension of admissions at these centres?

Appeals would be directed to GTEC, not UG. GTEC’s decision stems from regulatory non-compliance, and UG must fulfill specified corrective actions before reinstatement.

How long will it take to restore accreditation?

UG has begun procurement and structural upgrades but has not published a target timeline. The process depends on the complexity of required corrections and GTEC’s re-evaluation schedule.

Are there alternative universities with accredited regional centres?

Yes. Institutions such as the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the University of Cape Coast (UCC) maintain multiple accredited distance learning hubs across Ghana.

Sources

• University of Ghana Official Statement (December 3, 2025). ug.edu.gh
• Ghana Tertiary Education Commission Press Release. gttec.gov.gh
• Interview with Prof. Olivia Kwapong, Dean of Distance Education, University of Ghana – Ghana News Agency, December 3, 2025.
• “Accreditation Guidelines for Private and Public Tertiary Institutions,” GTEC, 2024 Edition.

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of Multimedia Group Limited.

Published: December 3, 2025 at 18:13 GMT

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