GTEC Orders University of Ghana to Reverse 2025/2026 Fee Increases
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has directed the University of Ghana (UG) to reverse all fee increases introduced for the 2025/2026 academic year.
In an official letter dated January 5, 2026, addressed to the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, GTEC expressed strong concern over a 25% increase in fees and the introduction of new charges, despite earlier instructions not to increase fees.
Background to the Issue
According to GTEC, the Commission had earlier written to all publicly funded tertiary institutions on November 3, 2025, directing them not to increase fees for the 2025/2026 academic year.
However, the Commission noted that the University of Ghana went ahead to increase fees without approval. “Notwithstanding this directive, the Commission has been made aware that the University of Ghana has increased fees by 25% and, in certain instances, introduced new fees without prior approval,” the letter stated.
What GTEC Has Ordered UG to Do
GTEC has instructed the University of Ghana to take the following actions immediately:
- Reverse all fee increases and/or dues.
- Credit continuing students who paid more than last academic year’s fees.
- Refund final-year students who have paid excess fees.
- Revert all dues, including SRC and GRASSAG dues, to last academic year’s rates.
- Suspend new fees, such as the 75th Anniversary dues and Development Levy, unless they already existed.
GTEC emphasized clearly: “The fees must be set at the last Academic Year’s rate.”
Deadline and Warning
The Commission has given the University of Ghana a deadline of January 12, 2026, to submit evidence showing compliance with the directive.
GTEC also issued a strong warning: “Failure will result in the Commission instituting serious regulatory sanctions against the University of Ghana.”
Ministry of Education Involvement
GTEC added that no changes should be made unless approved in writing by the Minister for Education.
It was also disclosed that the Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, will serve as the liaison between the Ministry and the University of Ghana on this matter.
What This Means for Students
This directive comes as a relief to many students and parents who were worried about the rising cost of tertiary education. If fully implemented, students who have already paid higher fees are expected to receive refunds or credits.
Conclusion
The GTEC directive sends a strong message to public tertiary institutions to follow laid-down procedures and protect students from unapproved financial burdens. All eyes are now on the University of Ghana to comply before the deadline.
