The Private University Founders Association (PUFA) has commended the Ministry of Education and Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu for responding to the concerns of private tertiary institutions.
The Ministry has initiated steps to amend the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), with a Cabinet memo being finalised to make the chartering process optional for private universities.
PUFA noted that the current chartering framework has long been considered restrictive and cumbersome, and making charter acquisition optional will allow institutions greater flexibility to innovate and contribute more effectively to national development.
The association, in a statement signed by Martin K. Gyambrah, Executive Secretary of PUFA, on November 27, also praised the Minister for acknowledging the significant role private universities play in expanding access to higher education.
The reaffirmed commitment to Access, Relevance, and Quality (ARQ), under the oversight of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), provides a balanced approach that encourages institutional growth while maintaining high academic standards.
PUFA further recognised the support of Parliament’s Select Committee on Education, chaired by Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, whose advocacy for optional chartering reflects broad stakeholder alignment.
The Committee highlighted research showing that the government saves approximately GH₵50,000 per student enrolled in private institutions, underlining the economic value these universities provide.
The association said it is ready to collaborate with the Ministry and other stakeholders to strengthen Ghana’s tertiary education sector and advance meaningful reforms.
