The Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has inaugurated the newly constituted Governing Board of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) during a solemn and inspiring ceremony at the Ministry of Education’s Conference Room, where he outlined a bold vision for advancing quality, relevance, and transformation in Ghana’s tertiary education sector.

(The Director-General of GTEC)

In his inaugural address, Hon. Iddrisu stressed the urgent need to bridge the gap between academic training and the skillsets required by contemporary industries. He called for a strong emphasis on quality assurance, practical training, and infrastructural investments across public and private tertiary institutions. The Minister also revealed plans for a national scholarship scheme to support students, including those in accredited private universities, and discussed strategies to make Ghana a hub for higher education excellence in Africa.

(The Minister of Education with the newly inaugurated Board Members of GTEC)

Among the key initiatives announced were the extension of the Student Loan Scheme to private universities and the establishment of a Technical and Vocational Education Fund, modeled after Germany’s celebrated TVET system.

Responding on behalf of the Board, the newly appointed Chairperson, Professor Mahama Duwiejua, expressed deep gratitude for the confidence reposed in them. He pledged that the Board would prioritize inclusivity, institutional efficiency, and strategic resource management to deliver tangible outcomes for Ghana’s tertiary education system.

(Board Members taking oath)

Professor Duwiejua brings a distinguished academic and leadership background, having previously served as Executive Secretary of the erstwhile National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE). His extensive experience in policy formulation and academic administration is expected to significantly enhance the work of the Commission.

Composition of the New Board

The Board is composed of eminent personalities across academia, finance, law, and public service:

• Prof. Mahama Duwiejua – Chairperson
• Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai – Director-General, GTEC
• Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun – Vice-Chancellor Representative
• Prof. David Fred Mcbagonluri – Private University’s Representative
• Mrs. Mamle D. Andrews – Ministry of Education’s Representative
• Mr. Samuel Danquah Arkhurst – Ministry of Finance’s Representative
• Mrs. Stella Otema Badu – Attorney General’s Department Representative
• Dr. Isaac Nii Moi Thompson – Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission
• Mr. Zakaria Sulemana – Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training Representative
• Dr. Berlinda Glover-Dake – Member
• Prof. Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile – Member
• Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis – Director-General, Ghana Education Service
• Dr. Eric Kofi Adzroe – Director-General, Technical and Vocational Education and Training Service

Their diverse expertise promises to propel the tertiary education landscape of Ghana towards new heights of innovation and excellence.

The inauguration was attended by prominent figures including Dr. Emmanuel Newman, Director for Tertiary Education, Ministry of Education; Mr. Joseph Mensah Oti-Asirifi, Executive Secretary of VCTU-G; Vice-Chancellors, and senior public officials.