The Governing Board of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has been petitioned to provide detailed information on the academic credentials and professorial appointment of its Director-General, Professor Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai.

The petition, submitted by Mr. Kwame Simpe Ofori on October 24, 2025, invokes the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), and seeks clarification on the academic and professional records of the GTEC boss.

According to Mr. Ofori, the request is made “in the public interest” and aims to promote transparency, accountability, and integrity within Ghana’s tertiary education system.

“Since research productivity remains a fundamental requirement for the award of professorial status, clarification on this matter will reinforce confidence in the processes governing academic promotions and appointments within Ghana’s tertiary-education landscape,” the petition stated.

Copies of the petition were also sent to the Minister for Education, the Chairman of the Public Services Commission, and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW). Mr. Ofori urged GTEC to respond within the statutory timeframe stipulated under the RTI Act.

GTEC Responds, Affirms Director-General’s Academic Credentials

In response, GTEC’s Acting Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Jerry Sarfo, issued a statement affirming the authenticity of Prof. Abdulai’s academic and professional qualifications.

According to the response, Prof. Jinapor Abdulai holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (First Class Honours) in Philosophy and Religions from the University of Ghana (1998–2001). He later pursued a Master of Arts in International Affairs at Ohio University, USA (2003–2005) and obtained a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from West Virginia University (2005–2009).

He subsequently earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education from the University of Education, Winneba (2016–2017).

Academic and Professional Career

The GTEC statement outlined Prof. Abdulai’s academic journey, noting that he served as:

• Lecturer at the University of Education, Winneba (2010–2014)
• Senior Lecturer (2014–2017)
• Associate Professor (2017–present)

He also held various leadership roles, including:

• Deputy Director-General of GTEC (2020–2023)
• Acting Director-General (2023–2024)
• Substantive Director-General (since 2024)

Call for Transparency in Tertiary Education Governance

The petition has sparked public discussion about transparency and academic verification within Ghana’s higher education administration. Education policy analysts have commended the use of the Right to Information Act as a legitimate tool to ensure public accountability in state institutions.

Observers also note that GTEC’s swift response to the petition demonstrates a commitment to openness and institutional credibility in the governance of tertiary education.

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) is the statutory body responsible for regulating and overseeing tertiary education in Ghana. It ensures quality assurance, institutional accreditation, and academic standards across universities, technical universities, and colleges.

The Commission’s leadership, therefore, plays a critical role in maintaining academic integrity and public trust in the higher education system.