The Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Professor Ahmed Abdulai Jinapor, has called on Ghanaians to place greater confidence in the country’s accredited tertiary education institutions, emphasising that Ghanaian universities possess the academic excellence, research capacity and infrastructure required to deliver globally competitive education.
Professor Jinapor made the remarks while representing the Minister for Education at the investiture ceremony of Professor Denis Warlonyo Aheto as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC). The ceremony brought together government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional authorities, academics, and other distinguished stakeholders to witness the formal assumption of office by the new Vice-Chancellor.
Addressing the gathering, Professor Jinapor encouraged prospective students and professionals to prioritise accredited Ghanaian universities when pursuing higher education, noting that the country’s institutions continue to produce graduates who excel both locally and internationally.
“Purchase Ghana education,” he urged, stressing that Ghana’s accredited universities offer quality academic programmes that meet international standards and prepare graduates to compete successfully in the global knowledge economy.
The Director-General explained that the appeal has become increasingly important in light of concerns surrounding qualifications obtained from unaccredited institutions. While acknowledging the right of individuals to choose their preferred institutions, he advised prospective students to undertake due diligence before enrolling in any academic programme to ensure that it meets recognised quality assurance standards.
He further noted that Ghana’s tertiary institutions are staffed by highly qualified faculty, supported by modern teaching and learning facilities, and remain committed to producing graduates equipped with relevant knowledge, practical skills, and ethical values. He reiterated that several public and accredited private tertiary institutions in Ghana offer world-class programmes that enjoy both national and international recognition.
Professor Jinapor reaffirmed GTEC’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s tertiary education system through effective regulation, accreditation, and quality assurance. He explained that the Commission’s recent publication of institutions whose qualifications are not recognised was intended to protect students, parents, employers and the general public from investing in programmes that do not satisfy established quality standards.
Touching on the recent High Court ruling concerning qualifications awarded by Universidad Empresarial de Costa Rica (UNEM), Professor Jinapor stated that GTEC respects the decision of the Court and will comply with its directives. He emphasised, however, that the ruling does not diminish the Commission’s mandate or resolve to uphold quality standards and preserve public confidence in Ghana’s tertiary education sector.
Professor Jinapor also described the investiture of Professor Denis Warlonyo Aheto as a significant milestone in the history of the University of Cape Coast. He noted that since its establishment in 1962 as a university college dedicated to teacher education, UCC has evolved into one of Ghana’s premier higher education institutions, serving more than 74,000 students across diverse academic disciplines.
He commended the University’s past Vice-Chancellors for their visionary leadership and acknowledged the pioneering contributions of Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, UCC’s first female Vice-Chancellor, whose leadership continues to inspire women and young academics across the country.
Congratulating the newly installed Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jinapor described Professor Aheto as a distinguished scholar and proud alumnus of UCC whose extensive experience in academia, coastal management and climate resilience positions him to lead the University into its next phase of growth. He expressed confidence that Professor Aheto’s commitment to research, innovation and institutional excellence would further strengthen UCC’s reputation as a leading centre of higher learning in Ghana and beyond.