GTEC warns tertiary education leaders against combining public roles with party executive positions

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has reminded leaders of public tertiary institutions that they cannot hold senior public positions while also serving as executives of political parties.

The Commission said it has received reports suggesting that some institutional leaders and senior officials continue to occupy political party executive roles while serving in public offices.

GTEC explained that such situations could affect public confidence in tertiary institutions because leaders are expected to remain neutral and impartial in the administration of higher education.

The Commission referenced existing laws, including the Political Parties Act, which restricts public officers from actively participating in partisan political activities while holding public office.

According to GTEC, public officers who wish to take up active political party executive positions are expected to first leave their public appointments.

The directive covers senior officials in tertiary institutions, including Vice-Chancellors, Registrars, Deans, Directors and Heads of Department.

GTEC has therefore asked governing councils and management of tertiary institutions to ensure that all leaders comply with the requirement, warning that individuals who occupy both roles must either resign from their political positions or vacate their public offices.