The National Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education, Ghana (PRINCOF), has called for dialogue and restraint following recent demands by sections of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) for the resignation or removal of the Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, and his Deputy, Prof. Augustine Ocloo.
In a statement issued on Monday, February 2, 2026, and signed by its General Secretary, Dr. Samuel Addae-Boateng, PRINCOF said it had noted the calls “with concern” and urged all parties to adopt a measured approach in addressing the matter.
According to the conference, while it acknowledges the concerns raised by UTAG branches in the traditional universities, the current posture of public ultimatums and threats of industrial action requires “sober reflection.”
“PRINCOF is of the view that the issues under reference require further engagement and that the calls being made at this time need sober reflection,” the statement said.
The principals argued that disputes surrounding leadership and governance within the tertiary education sector should be resolved through constructive engagement rather than confrontation.
“We strongly advocate for resolution through dialogue and engagement rather than public ultimatums and signals of industrial action,” PRINCOF stated.
The body recommended that all stakeholders with genuine grievances channel them through established statutory and administrative structures, including the Ministry of Education and the GTEC Governing Board.
According to PRINCOF, such platforms provide opportunities for collaborative problem-solving and help prevent unnecessary escalation of tensions.
“The setting of deadlines and associated approaches tends to escalate tensions and risks undermining the stability of our educational institutions,” the statement warned.
PRINCOF further indicated that it has consistently worked with GTEC under the leadership of Prof. Jinapor Abdulai and Prof. Ocloo and described their administration as accessible and open to engagement.
“PRINCOF has consistently worked with GTEC under the leadership of Prof. Jinapor and Prof. Ocloo and have found their doors always open to engagement and dialogue,” it noted.
The conference therefore appealed for calm among all stakeholders, stressing the need to protect the integrity of Ghana’s tertiary education system.
“We therefore call for cool heads to prevail. Now is the time for reasoned dialogue. Let us come together as stakeholders – government, regulators, and academic staff – to address concerns in a manner that preserves the integrity of our tertiary education system and promotes national development,” the statement said.
