DISCLAIMER

20^th April, 2026

Following our earlier communication and subsequent public discussions regarding distance learning centres operated by public tertiary institutions, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) wishes to issue the following clarification and disclaimer to correct inaccuracies currently in circulation.

 

1.        No Declaration of Unapproved Status for UEW, UCC, UDS, and UG

 

Contrary to misinformation being shared, GTEC has not declared the distance learning programmes of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), University of Cape Coast (UCC), University for Development Studies (UDS), or the University of Ghana (UG) as “unapproved places to pursue tertiary education.” These universities remain duly accredited institutions, and their distance learning programmes, where properly situated and resourced, are recognised by GTEC.

 

2.        Accreditation is Campus-Specific

 

GTEC emphasises that accreditation, including for distance learning, is campus-specific and location-dependent. Approval is not blanket or transferable. Each study centre must meet minimum standards regarding infrastructure, staffing, library facilities, ICT resources, and learner support services. A centre operating without specific approval from GTEC, even if affiliated with an accredited parent university, is not automatically recognised.

 

3.        Areas of Greater Concern: Secondary Schools, Company Training Centres, and Churches etc.

In our earlier communication, GTEC identified that the areas of greatest concern, where unapproved distance learning activities have proliferated. These include, but are not limited to:

• Secondary schools (where facilities are inadequate for tertiary-level distance education);
• Training centres of various companies (often lacking proper academic oversight and resources);
• Churches and similar makeshift venues (which do not meet the required standards for tertiary learning environments).

These locations, unless specifically evaluated and granted approval by GTEC, are not authorised to host distance learning centres for any public university’s academic programmes.

 

4.        GTEC’s Position on Distance Learning

 

GTEC fully supports distance learning as a viable and strategic mode of tertiary education delivery, provided it meets the necessary dynamics, including:

 

• Appropriate physical and digital infrastructure;
• Qualified facilitators and academic support systems;
• Robust quality assurance mechanisms;
• Approval of each study centre location by GTEC.

 

Institutions are encouraged to regularise their distance learning centres by submitting them for inspection and approval.

 

5.        Public Advisory

 

Prospective students and the general public are advised to verify the approval status of any distance learning centre directly with GTEC or the relevant university’s distance education directorate. Do not rely on unverified claims or social media summaries.

 

 

Issued by:

Corporate Affairs Directorate