The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has issued a firm warning to all public tertiary institutions across the country not to introduce or charge new student fees for the 2025/2026 academic year without first obtaining Parliamentary approval.

The directive, dated November 3, 2025, seeks to ensure full compliance with the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act and to strengthen financial accountability and transparency in Ghana’s higher education system.

According to GTEC, the move is part of ongoing efforts to promote effective and efficient management of tertiary education institutions in line with national laws and regulatory standards.

Background to the Directive

The Commission’s action follows repeated instances of public tertiary institutions reviewing and implementing new student fees without following the proper legal processes. This, GTEC noted, has led to implementation challenges, disputes, and non-compliance with the law over the years.

In the latest circular, GTEC emphasized that no university or tertiary institution should increase fees for the new academic year until such revisions have been approved by Parliament as required by the Fees and Charges Act.

Official Statement from GTEC

The circular, signed by Dr. Emmanuel Oware Nyarko, Director of Quality Assurance and Compliance, on behalf of the Director-General, reiterated GTEC’s commitment to enforcing the law and maintaining order in the education sector.

“Vice Chancellors are hereby reminded to maintain the current student fees and only implement the revised fees for the 2025/2026 academic year after obtaining approval from Parliament,” the statement read.

The directive was sent directly to the Vice Chancellors of all Traditional Universities and Technical Universities nationwide.

Ensuring Compliance with the Fees and Charges Act

The Fees and Charges Act regulates how state entities, including public universities, determine and adjust their fees. The Act requires Parliamentary oversight to prevent arbitrary increases and ensure that students and parents are protected from unjustified financial burdens.

GTEC’s latest enforcement move underscores its broader commitment to institutional accountability, financial transparency, and student welfare within Ghana’s tertiary education sector.

Implications for Students and Universities

For students, the directive means that existing fees will remain unchanged for the upcoming academic year until any new fees receive the necessary Parliamentary approval.

For institutions, the move serves as a legal reminder that any unilateral fee increase could attract sanctions from GTEC and may be declared invalid or unenforceable.

The Commission has also urged all tertiary institutions to align their financial planning and budgeting processes with the provisions of the Fees and Charges Act to avoid operational disruptions.

By taking this decisive step, GTEC reinforces its mission to uphold transparency, fairness, and accountability in Ghana’s higher education system. The Commission assures stakeholders that all approved fee adjustments will be publicly communicated once Parliament gives the green light.