The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has warned the public that six University of Ghana (UG) learning centres are operating without accreditation, and has urged students and parents to verify the status of institutions before seeking admission.

In a public notice, GTEC said that it “hereby brings to the notice of the public that the following Learning Centres currently operated by the University of Ghana (UG) have not been accredited by the Commission”. The affected centres are in Koforidua, Cape Coast, Tamale, Ho/Tsito, Wa, and Sunyani.

The Commission made it clear that qualifications issued by these centres will not be recognised. “All academic qualifications issued by the University at these centres are not recognised by GTEC for the purposes of employment, further education, and promotion."

GTEC also announced that eleven other tertiary institutions have been directed to stop new admissions. It said the listed schools “have been directed to suspend all fresh admissions with immediate effect until they meet the accreditation standards required by the Commission."

These include the Institute of Business Management and Journalism in Kumasi, Rural Development College in Kwaso, University College of Agriculture and Environmental Studies in Bunso, School of Anaesthesia in Kumasi, Unique Citizens College in Accra, Kings and Queens Medical College in Akosombo and Springs College in Accra.

The notice also listed Wintech Professional Institute, Trans Africa College, Royal Nursing College, and OAA Consulting Limited. It said that “OAA Consulting Limited was the local agency for Universidad Empresarial De Costa Rica (UNEM)."

In addition, GTEC alerted the public that 26 institutions currently have expired institutional accreditation. The list includes Abbeam Institute of Technology in Kasoa, Lakeside University College in Accra, ILMA Institute of Science and Technology in Accra, Ohawu College of Agriculture in Ohawu, the Nursing and Midwifery Training Colleges at Yeji, Dormaa Ahenkro, and Asankrangwa, and the Holy Spirit College of Education in Ho.

With rising concerns about unregulated tertiary education, GTEC encouraged the public to make careful checks. “GTEC strongly advises prospective students, parents, guardians, and the public to verify the accreditation status of all institutions, Learning Centres, and academic programmes directly with the Commission before seeking admission."

It warned that the consequences of choosing unaccredited schools could be severe. “Enrolling in unaccredited institutions or Learning Centres poses serious risks, including the potential loss of time, financial resources, and future career opportunities."