A group calling itself the Governance, Accountability and Transparency Forum (GATF) has backed the University Teachers’ Association of Ghana, University of Ghana Branch (UTAG–UG), in its call for the immediate removal of Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai as Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
In a series of press statements, GATF cited persistent regulatory failures, selective application of authority, abuse of office, and conflicts of interest within the Commission.
These concerns are centered primarily on GTEC’s handling of matters related to the Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU).
Specifically, the group accused Prof. Jinapor Abdulai of failing to act on concerns regarding Ms. Vera Graham Asante.
According to GATF, Ms. Asante has been using the title “Doctor” after obtaining a degree in 2021 from an institution that was neither recognized nor accredited by GTEC.
The group asserts that despite formal petitions and clear documentary evidence, GTEC has failed to issue a public determination, withdrawal notice, or enforcement directive.
GATF posits that this inaction amounts to Gross dereliction of duty, Regulatory capture and a clear conflict of interest
GATF further alleged that the program completed by Ms. Asante does not meet Ghanaian doctoral standards and violates GTEC policies regarding unaccredited degrees.
They expressed serious concern over reports that Prof. Jinapor Abdulai treated the qualification as a “PhD equivalent,” a move they claim undermines academic standards and constitutes an abuse of office.
GATF referenced alleged close communication between Ms. Asante, Prof. Jinapor Abdulai, and other members of GCTU, questioning the impartiality and ethical governance of the Commission.
The group warned that failure to address these issues could further compromise the integrity of Ghana’s higher education system.
Speaking in an interview on As It Is in Ghana on Rainbow Radio (87.5FM Ghana / 92.4FM UK), a key member of the group, Professor Kester Quist-Aphetsi—a global expert in Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence—emphasized that the call for removal is not politically motivated.
“We have strong evidence to support all the allegations we have leveled against him,” Prof. Quist-Aphetsi stated.
He noted the irony of the situation, claiming that while the Director-General has consistently pursued others for holding unrecognized qualifications, he is now allegedly guilty of the same inconsistency. He further questioned the legitimacy of the Director-General’s own professorship.
Prof. Quist-Aphetsi concluded by stating that Prof. Jinapor is causing “chaos and confusion” within the academic sector through selective enforcement of rules.
“He is not applying the rules the same across the board,” he noted, reiterating that the group possesses the necessary evidence to prove their claims.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
