The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has taken a strong decision against the University of Cape Coast (UCC) by cutting off government support and declaring the institution “non-existent” on its official records. This move comes after UCC failed to follow directives concerning the tenure of its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Johnson Nyarko Boampong, as GTEC orders the UCC Vice-Chancellor to retire.
According to GTEC, the Vice-Chancellor has reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 but has refused to step down despite a High Court injunction from October 2024 that stopped the Governing Council from making decisions on his appointment.
Because of this, GTEC announced on September 22, 2025, that it will no longer process UCC’s requests for programme accreditation, government salary payments, GETFund allocations, research and book allowances, financial clearance for recruitment, or any other administrative support.
In its statement, signed by Acting Deputy Director-General Prof. Augustine Ocloo, GTEC stressed that the directive will remain in place until UCC fully complies with the rules.
Earlier, on September 19, 2025, GTEC sent a letter to Prof. Boampong reminding him that the Vice-Chancellor position is a public office under the University of Cape Coast Act, 1992 (PNDCL 278). The Constitution of Ghana, Article 199(1), makes it compulsory for all public officers to retire at age 60 unless exceptions are made. The UCC Statutes (2016) also set the Vice-Chancellor’s tenure at four years, with only one possible three-year renewal, and only if the person has not passed the retirement age.
To keep the university running, GTEC has appointed the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto, to act as Vice-Chancellor. The Commission has also instructed the Governing Council not to appoint a substantive Vice-Chancellor until the case in court is fully settled.
This latest development has placed UCC under heavy restrictions as GTEC orders UCC Vice-Chancellor to retire immediately.
Follow for Updates!
Facebook: Newton Meshak
TikTok: @Mrrpoat