Prof. Ahmed Abdulai Jinapor
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has directed heads of public tertiary educational institutions who hold both public office and political party executive positions to resign from their political party roles or be relieved of their public offices.
A statement issued on July 27, 2026 by the Commission called on leaders of educational institutions to uphold the principles of political neutrality, impartiality and public confidence in the administration of higher education.
GTEC stated that its outfit has observed reports suggesting that some leaders and senior managers of tertiary educational institutions are simultaneously holding executive positions in political parties.
This, the Commission mentioned, include positions such as Constituency Chairman, Constituency Secretary, Treasurer and other party executive offices, while continuing to serve in public office.
“Accordingly, GTEC wishes to remind all heads of tertiary education institutions to ensure full compliance with these legal requirements. Governing Councils and institutional management are encouraged to take the necessary steps to ensure that officers serving in public institutions, particularly those occupying positions as Vice Chancellor/Principal, Pro-VC/Vice-Principal, Registrar, Director of Finance/Finance Officer, Deans, HOD’s etc. do not take elected political positions,” it stated.
“As a result, all individuals who find themselves in such situations are to resign from such political positions or be relieved of their offices,” it added.
The Commission also made reference to Section 26 of the Political Parties Act, 2000 (Act 574), which provides, among others, that: “A chief or a public officer shall not engage in canvassing in support of or against a political party or a candidate standing for a public election.”
It stated that the law further places restrictions on public officers occupying executive positions within political parties, which is intended to safeguard the neutrality and integrity of the Public Service as well as to prevent situations that may give rise to actual or perceived conflicts between official responsibilities and partisan political interests.
It also reiterated consistent calls by the Public Services Commission that public officers who intend to engage in active party politics or assume political party executive positions are expected to relinquish their public office before doing so, in accordance with the applicable constitutional and statutory provisions.
The Commission further urged all tertiary educational institutions to continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and political neutrality in the discharge of their statutory mandates to assist the Commission to ensure the effective and efficient management of educational institutions in the country.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah