The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has announced that six learning centres operated by the University of Ghana (UG) are not accredited, rendering all qualifications issued from those centres invalid for employment, further studies, or promotion. The affected centres are located in Koforidua, Cape Coast, Tamale, Ho/Tsito, Wa and Sunyani.

In a public notice, GTEC warned prospective students and guardians to exercise caution, stressing that certificates from these centres are not recognised by the Commission.

GTEC has also directed 11 tertiary institutions to immediately suspend fresh admissions until they meet the required accreditation standards.

In the statement, 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, Springs College in Labone, Wintech Professional Institute in Accra, Trans Africa College in Accra, Royal Nursing College in Kumasi, and OAA Consulting Limited, formerly linked to Universidad Empresarial de Costa Rica.”

The Commission further disclosed that the institutional accreditation of 26 institutions has expired. These range from health training colleges and agricultural colleges to private universities such as Abbeam Institute of Technology in Kasoa, Lakeside University College in Accra, River View College in Accra, Ohawu College of Agriculture, and Holy Spirit College of Education in Ho.

Therefore, the GTEC urged the public to verify the accreditation status of tertiary institutions and learning centres before enrolment, warning that studying in unaccredited institutions could lead to loss of time, money and future career opportunities.

Meanwhile, the Commission said the directive is intended to protect the public from misinformation and exploitation.

Sompaonline.com/Derrick Djan