GTEC Bars Tertiary Institution Heads From Holding Political Party Executive Positions

The *Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC)* has reaffirmed its directive prohibiting key management staff of public tertiary institutions from holding executive positions in political parties.

According to GTEC, officials covered by the directive must choose between retaining their public office or resigning from any partisan party role.

The Commission’s Director-General, *Prof. Ahmed Abdulai Jinapor*, issued the reminder as part of efforts to ensure neutrality and professionalism in the management of public tertiary institutions.

The directive affects positions such as *Vice Chancellors, Pro Vice Chancellors, Principals, Vice Principals, Registrars, Finance Directors, and other Directors*. GTEC says these officials cannot put themselves forward as constituency party chairpersons, secretaries, or any other executive party position.

The move has sparked debate within the tertiary education space. While some support the Commission’s stance to prevent campuses from becoming "party political theatres", others argue that GTEC is overreaching. They have even referenced a Supreme Court ruling on the matter to challenge the directive.

Prof. Jinapor stressed that it is unethical for a public tertiary head to double as a political party executive, warning that such dual roles compromise the independence of institutions.

“If you are a principal and you are a party executive and your party is in power you enjoy. Tomorrow if a new party comes they will tell you to go. Please don't get involved in party politics if you hold a managerial position,” he said.

GTEC maintains that keeping politics out of institutional management is necessary to safeguard academic integrity and ensure fair administration across public tertiary institutions.