. As UTAG Gives Govt 14 Days Ultimatum
By Philip Antoh
The University Teachers’ Association of Ghana (UTAG), has given President John Dramani Mahama a 14-day ultimatum to dismiss Prof. Ahmed Jinapor, the Director General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), along with his Deputy, Prof. Augustine Ocloo.
This recent demand from the UTAG follows numerous calls from various Ghanaians who are already seeking the removal of the professor and his deputy for actions they believe negatively affect GTEC’s mandate
During a press conference on Monday April 13, 2026, UTAG National President, Prof. Vera Ogeh Fiador, criticised the Presidency for not acknowledging a petition submitted on February 17, 2026.
“It has been nearly two months since we submitted our petition, and we have not even received an acknowledgment,” she stated.
“At this point, we can only assume that our petition was either not processed for the President’s attention or that the President has simply ignored it.”
UTAG’s petition demands the removal of GTEC Director-General, Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, and his deputy, Prof. Augustine Ocloo, due to what the association describes as governance failures and regulatory overreach.
The association claims that the current GTEC leadership has taken a “command and control” approach that undermines the independence of public universities and diminishes academic freedom.
“UTAG’s thorough assessment indicates that these governance failures have strayed from the intended regulatory purpose and now threaten university autonomy, academic freedom, staff welfare, and the stability and competitiveness of public universities,” Prof. Fiador remarked.
The association contends that GTEC’s actions exceed its regulatory authority, accusing it of issuing unilateral directives and interfering in matters that should be decided by university councils and academic boards.
UTAG emphasizes that its requests are not an attack on regulation, but a plea for a more consultative and balanced method in overseeing Ghana’s tertiary education sector.
“Globally, regulators should establish minimum standards rather than micromanage institutions… and engage through consultation, not mandates,” the association stated.
The group warns that ignoring these issues could increase tensions in the tertiary education sector, possibly resulting in industrial unrest.
UTAG mentions that the 14-day period is meant for the Presidency to address its concerns, cautioning that further steps may be taken if the matters are not resolved.
Prof. Ahmed Jinapor was a member of the UTAG, University of Education, Winneba.