We have not declared UEW, UCC and UG distance learning programmes unapproved — GTEC 

Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, Director General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has clarified that it has not declared the distance learning programmes of some public universities as unapproved.

The Commission says its earlier regulatory communication regarding distance learning centers has created misinformation among the public and stakeholders.

Several reports had claimed that the operations of distance learning centres run by the University of Ghana, University of Cape Coast, University of Education, Winneba, and University for Development Studies, had been declared unapproved.

In a statement issued on Monday, April 20, GTEC, however, stated that the institutions remain accredited and their programmes valid where properly approved and resourced.

“Contrary to misinformation being shared, GTEC has not declared the distance learning programmes of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), University of Cape Coast (UCC), University for Development Studies (UDS), or the University of Ghana (UG) as ‘unapproved places to pursue tertiary education’,” the Commission stated.

It explained that accreditation for distance learning is not blanket but rather campus-specific, meaning each study centre must meet defined standards before approval.

“Accreditation is campus-specific and location-dependent. Approval is not blanket or transferable,” it noted.

According to GTEC, any study centre operating without specific approval does not qualify as a recognised distance learning facility, even if it is linked to an accredited university.

The Commission further raised concern about the increasing use of secondary schools, company training centres, and churches as makeshift distance learning venues.

It described such locations as unsuitable unless they are formally assessed and approved.

GTEC further urged prospective students and the public to verify the accreditation status of any distance learning centre directly with the Commission or the relevant university before enrolling.