Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has proposed a ten-year transition period after which no private university in Ghana will be permitted to operate without a charter.
This initiative, aimed at strengthening oversight and ensuring quality education, was revealed during the inauguration of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
According to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), only twenty-four private tertiary institutions in Ghana have been granted a charter.
While reaffirming the Commission’s autonomy, Mr. Iddrisu urged private universities to begin preparing for stricter regulatory oversight.
“I have no power to interfere with your regulatory regime,” he stated. “There is strong demand from private universities, and they are awaiting my position on this matter. However, I don’t want to go against regulatory principles and values.”
The Minister emphasized the necessity of charter requirements, suggesting that while private universities have operated independently, there comes a time when regulatory guidance and supervision are essential for maintaining quality standards.
“The issue of compulsory charters should be looked at by your Commission. Even though it is not the intention of the Ministry or government to interfere with your regulatory mandate, questions have been raised as to whether the charter should be compulsory”.
Although the policy is not yet official, Mr. Iddrisu proposed a gradual approach, giving institutions a ten-year period to meet the necessary requirements before the enforcement of compulsory charters.
“Today is 2025, and Ghana will follow a roadmap that, in the next decade, as I have suggested, no private university will be allowed to operate without a charter. Between now and then, subject to those who qualify and are issued permits, the rest should prepare accordingly,”.
Acknowledging the need for capacity building, Haruna Iddrisu suggested that private institutions work toward strengthening their faculties to align with charter requirements.
He further reassured stakeholders that higher education access will remain a priority despite the push for increased regulation.
“We are satisfied with the exercise of the regulatory mandate so far, but we must find a way to regulate those private universities”.
