Staff unions at the Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) have petitioned the Minister for Education to intervene in what they describe as serious governance breaches at the institution, including the alleged unilateral termination of the Vice-Chancellor’s appointment by the Chairman of the University Council.
In a joint letter dated February 11, 2026, and addressed to the Minister in Accra, the Federation of Staff Unions at GCTU, comprising UTAG-GCTU, GAUA-GCTU, SSA-UoG-GCTU, and TEWU-GH-GCTU, demanded the immediate reconstitution of the University’s Governing Council and the nullification of a letter issued by the Council Chairman on February 3, 2026.
According to the unions, the Chairman issued a letter to the Vice-Chancellor purporting to terminate his appointment effective February 28, 2026.
The staff groups contended that the letter, referenced GCTU/GC/OVC/01/26, was issued without the approval, deliberation, or resolution of a duly convened meeting of the University Council.
They argued that the action does not constitute a legitimate decision of the Council but rather represents a unilateral move by the Chairman, allegedly in contravention of the Ghana Communication Technology University Act, 2020 (Act 1022), and the University’s statutes.
The unions further claimed that the incident was not isolated, alleging that since the current Council was constituted in June 2025, the Chairman has on several occasions acted in ways that undermine established governance procedures.
They also accused him of intimidating Council members and union leaders, interfering in routine administrative functions, and misaligning institutional priorities.
“These recurring actions have eroded confidence in the Governing Council, compromised its collective authority, and adversely affected the credibility, dignity, and public image of the University,” the letter stated.
The unions warned that the resulting atmosphere of uncertainty and instability is detrimental to effective teaching, research, administration, and student welfare, particularly at a critical period marked by admissions and the commencement of academic activities for new students.
As part of their demands, the staff groups have called on the Minister to:
- Declare the February 3, 2026 letter null, void, and of no legal effect; and
- Reconstitute the Governing Council of GCTU in accordance with Act 1022 and principles of good governance.
They have given the Ministry seven working days to address their concerns, cautioning that failure to act within that timeframe would leave them with no option but to consider lawful industrial action in defense of institutional integrity and good governance.
The petition was jointly signed by Dr. Patrick Acheampong, President of UTAG-GCTU; Dr. Kwame Owusu Afram, President of GAUA-GCTU; Mr. Eric Koomson, Chairman of SSA-UoG-GCTU; and Mr. Eric Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman of TEWU-GH-GCTU.
The Ministry of Education has yet to publicly respond to the petition.
