GTEC boss demands ‘natural justice’ over release of his UEW records

Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), has raised serious concerns over what he describes as a violation of his data privacy rights, following the alleged release of parts of his past academic assessment records by the University of Education, Winneba (UEW).

According to sources, the documents in question include an assessor’s report from Prof. Jinapor’s tenure as a lecturer at UEW, which reportedly rated some of his academic publications as below standard and recommended against his promotion.

Prof. Jinapor contends that circulating such internal assessment materials without his consent contravenes established data protection protocols and undermines his personal privacy.

The issue emerges amid heightened scrutiny in Ghana’s tertiary education sector over unrecognised certificates and the disclosure of academic credentials by GTEC without the consent of the individuals involved.

Critics have highlighted what they see as an apparent inconsistency, noting that Prof. Jinapor has been actively involved in exposing questionable academic qualifications of others while now seeking redress for similar treatment directed at him.

In a formal letter to UEW, Prof. Jinapor reportedly demanded an explanation for the alleged disclosure, insisting that the university acted improperly by making confidential information accessible to third parties.

The matter has ignited debate among academics. Some argue it underscores ongoing concerns over promotion procedures and the regulatory powers of tertiary institutions, while others maintain it emphasizes the critical importance of strict enforcement of Ghana’s Data Protection Act by institutions and regulators alike.

Observers have also questioned the timing of Prof. Jinapor’s complaint, pointing out that he did not challenge the assessor’s decision while at UEW but is now contesting it in his capacity as GTEC Director-General.

Supporters, however, assert that regardless of timing, every individual is entitled to the protection of personal data, stressing that this principle must be applied uniformly across the sector.

The controversy remains unresolved, with stakeholders awaiting further clarification from both GTEC and UEW.