GTEC orders University of Ghana to comply with approved fees or face sanctions

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has instructed 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 statement released on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the Commission stated that the approved fee structure, which had earlier been communicated to the university, remains valid and enforceable despite concerns raised by UG’s 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, Haruna Iddrisu.

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 statement 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 22nd January, 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.

Earlier, on Monday, 12th January, 2026, GTEC announced the approved fees for the University of Ghana, explaining that the decision was intended to promote transparency and address growing public concern over the institution’s charges.

The statement, signed by GTEC Director-General Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, indicated that the Academic Facility User Fee would remain unchanged from the 2024/2025 academic year.

Other approved fees include Student Representative Council (SRC) dues of GH₵50, an SRC Development Levy of GH₵150, a Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG) Development Levy of GH₵250, and a Telecel Broadband Levy of GH₵122, applicable to all undergraduate students, including freshmen.

MyJoyOnline