The National Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education (PRINCOF) has expressed concern over recent calls by some branches of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) for the resignation or removal of the Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Professor Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, and his Deputy, Professor Augustine Ocloo.

UTAG-UG demanded that Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai and Prof. Augustine Ocloo step down by January 31, 2026, or face a petition to the Chief of Staff and possible industrial action.

The lecturers' group accused the GTEC leadership of abandoning the commission's core mandate to pursue what it described as "tangential and sometimes frivolous actions, such as chasing people with 'fake degrees', while neglecting the fundamental issues affecting tertiary education in Ghana."

In a statement issued on Monday, February 2, PRINCOF said it believes the issues prompting the calls require further engagement and careful consideration, warning that the timing and nature of the demands warrant “sober reflection”.

"PRINCOF is of the view that the issues under reference require further engagement and that the calls being made at this time need sober reflection," the statement read.

While acknowledging the concerns raised by UTAG members in the traditional universities, the principals’ body stressed that such matters are best resolved through dialogue rather than public ultimatums or threats of industrial action.

"While we acknowledge the concerns raised by our colleagues in the traditional universities, we strongly advocate for resolution through dialogue and engagement rather than public ultimatums and signals of industrial action."

PRINCOF argued that escalating disputes through deadlines and strike signals risks heightening tensions within the tertiary education sector and could undermine the stability of academic institutions across the country.

• READ ASLO: UTAG-UG demands resignation of GTEC bosses over ‘incompetent, administrative overreach’

Instead, it urged stakeholders with genuine grievances to utilise established statutory and administrative channels.

"We recommend to all parties with genuine concerns to channel their grievances through the appropriate statutory and administrative pathways, including the Ministry of Education and the GTEC Governing Board, where seeming impasses can be addressed through collaborative problem-solving," the statement continued.

According to the conference, appropriate avenues for redress include engagement with the Ministry of Education and the GTEC Governing Board, where perceived impasses can be addressed through collaborative problem-solving and lawful procedures.

• READ ALSO: UTAG-KNUST backs call for removal of GTEC Director-General, Deputy over incompetence

Drawing on its own experience, PRINCOF noted that it has worked closely with GTEC under the leadership of Professor Jinapor Abdulai and Professor Ocloo and has consistently found them open to consultation and constructive engagement.

This, the statement said, reinforces the need for continued dialogue rather than confrontation.

The principals’ body therefore appealed for restraint and calm, calling on all parties to prioritise reasoned discussions in the national interest.

It urged stakeholders — including government, regulators and academic staff — to work together to address concerns in a way that safeguards the integrity of Ghana’s tertiary education system and supports national development.

"We therefore call for cool heads to prevail. Now is the time for reasoned dialogue. Let us come together
as stakeholders – government, regulators, and academic staff – to address concerns in a manner that
preserves the integrity of our tertiary education system and promotes national development," PRINCOF stated.

PRINCOF reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the education sector through cooperation, mutual respect and adherence to lawful processes, emphasising that sustained dialogue remains the most effective path to resolving disputes within the academic community.

"PRINCOF remains committed to supporting all efforts aimed at strengthening Ghana’s education sector through cooperation, mutual respect, and lawful engagement," the statement concluded.