Bussiness
Ghana Tertiary Education Commission collating proposals for new fees
Professor Mohammed Salifu, Director-General, Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), says the Commission is putting together proposals to be presented to Parliament for the review of fees for tertiary educational institutions for the next academic year.
Speaking at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament sitting in Accra, Prof Salifu said the review had become necessary because the pricing and fees schedules and regimes had changed.
The Director-General was at PAC to respond to issues raised in the 2019 Auditor-General’s Report concerning the commission.
The GTEC is the successor organisation to both the National Accreditation Board and the National Council for Tertiary Education.
The Report indicated that the National Accreditation Board in 2015/2016, contrary to Regulations 2(b), 5(4), 22(2) and 23(4) of LI 1984 (2010) of the National Accreditation Board Regulations, the Board reviewed its service charges at the 92nd Board meeting without parliamentary approval.
The Auditors recommended that Management should take steps to get parliamentary approval in order to avoid any legal challenges.
It said the auditors observed that the Board did not take any action on those who flouted the law by advertising, operating and running unaccredited institutions and programmes.
It also recommended that the Board should ensure compliance with the Act and persons found culpable should be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Dr James Klutse Avedzi, the Chairman of PAC, asked Professor Salifu why GTEC was charging fees without Parliamentary approval.
The chairman wanted to know also what action had been taken so far against unaccredited institutions.
Prof Salifu said GTEC inherited the assets and liabilities of both the National Accreditation Board, as well as that of the National Council for Tertiary Education.
He explained that following the recommendation of the Auditors, the then National Accreditation Board took steps to address the issue.
“Because we provide oversight for the sector, we are aware that this problem was even beyond the National Accreditation Board, there was a lot of sensitizations about the implications of the Fees and Charges Act for the entire Tertiary sector,” he said.
“Previously, what happened was that even at the university level once the Board/Council approves the fees it was going to be effected, and our attention was drawn to the fact that there was the Fees and Charges Act that all of us have to oblige.”
He said subsequently, what GTEC had being doing was collate all the inputs, before presenting the joint Finance Committee and Legal Committee of Parliament for them to consider it; saying “the fees that are being charged now are fees that have been approved by the Joint Committee”.
Dr Avedzi: “Are you reviewing your fees again?”
Prof Salifu: “We have collated this for this current year for the entire sector and we were supposed to go through the same process but until we have had it reviewed, we are applying the fees that were last approved.”
Dr Avedzi asked Prof Salifu whether he was aware of the Parliament had passed the Fees and Charges Amendment Act, 2022, to which Prof Salifu replied that the entire Tertiary sector, including the regulatory bodies were part of the Fees and Charges Amendment Act, 2022.
Source: GNA
Ghanaian dancehall artiste Charles Nii Armah Mensah, known as Shatta Wale, has won two awards at the 43rd International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) held in Florida over the weekend.
He picked up the Best African Dancehall Entertainer award as well as Concert of the Year for ShattaFest.
In a statement, Shatta Wale’s management expressed appreciation to the organisers and supporters of the awards.
“Management would like to sincerely appreciate the organisers of the IRAWMA awards for the recognition and continuous support for African music on the global stage.
“We also extend our deepest gratitude to fans across the world, especially the Shatta Movement fraternity, for their unwavering support, votes, and dedication throughout the years,” the statement said.
The statement added that the latest wins reaffirm the artiste’s position as one of Africa’s leading musical exports and a prominent figure in global dancehall culture.
The awards bring Shatta Wale’s total haul at the IRAWMA to 11, highlighting his continued presence on the international reggae and dancehall scene.
At last year’s edition, he won three awards: Best African Dancehall Entertainer, Best Music Video for “Killa Ji Mi”, and Best Crossover Song for “Commando” featuring Bounty Killer. -GNA
Bussiness
Global Market Volatility: Gov’t absorb GH¢2.00 per litre on diesel and GH¢0.36 per litre on petrol
Effective Thursday, April 16, 2026, which is the next pricing window, the Government will absorb GH¢2.00 per litre on diesel and GH¢ 0.36 per litre on petrol.
This intervention is intended to cushion customers and ease the cost burden on households, transport operators, and businesses.
The measure, approved by Cabinet, is in response to rising prices of petroleum products on the international market, which have significantly impacted ex-pump prices in Ghana.
This temporary intervention will remain in force for a period of one (1) month.
During this period government will continue to closely monitor developments in the global oil market and assess the need for further policy adjustments.
A statement signed by Minister of Government Communications, Felix Ofosu Kwakye noted that they remain commited to maintaining price stability, protecting livelihoods, and supporting Ghana’s economic recovery in the face of external shocks.
