GTEC directs University of Ghana to adhere strictly to approved fees or face sanctions

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has directed the University of Ghana (UG) to adhere strictly to the fees approved by the Ministry of Education for the 2025/2026 academic year, cautioning that non-compliance will attract sanctions.

In a letter dated Wednesday, January 14, 2026 and addressed to the Vice Chancellor of University of Ghana, the Commission stated that the approved fee structure, which had earlier been communicated to the university by the Ministry of Education, remains valid and enforceable despite concerns raised by the UG management.

GTEC clarified that outcomes from previous engagements with the university were merely recommendations and subject to the final and explicit approval of the Minister of Education.

According to the Commission, the Minister’s decision was guided by prevailing economic realities and a careful review of the fee adjustment proposals submitted by the university.

The letter copied to the Minister of Education and his deputy and the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education as well as the University Council further explained that the Minister intervened to scale down proposed fee increases due to several concerns.

These included the linking of certain levies to students’ registration for academic activities, effectively making the 75th Anniversary Levy compulsory, as well as the continued charging of the levy even though the university is currently marking its 78th anniversary.

GTEC also highlighted inconsistencies in the Telecel Broadband Levy, noting that newly admitted students were expected to pay GH₵322, while continuing students were charged GH₵122. The Commission described this disparity as unfair and inconsistent with the approved fee structure.

“In light of the foregoing, the Commission’s communiqué dated January 12, 2026, prescribing the fees approved by the Honourable Minister of Education remains valid and in force,” the statement said.

As a result, the University of Ghana has been directed to provide evidence of compliance to GTEC by January 22, 2026. The Commission warned that failure to comply would lead to the withdrawal of all GTEC services to the university, with the exception of the processing of salary subventions.

Source: graphic.com.gh