Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) Revealed to Operate 32 Unaccredited Programs, Prompting Concerns Over Students’ Futures
Startling revelations have emerged from the 2021 Auditor General’s Report, shedding light on Kumasi Technical University’s (KsTU) operation of 32 unaccredited programs, among them three recently introduced programs.
The repertoire of unaccredited offerings encompasses five Master of Technology programs, nine Bachelor of Technology programs, 17 Higher National Diploma (HND) programs, and one Diploma program. Furthermore, the report also highlighted the presence of 29 university programs that expired between 2009 and 2018.
This disconcerting disclosure surfaced during the recent proceedings of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament, held in Sunyani within the Bono Region. The committee convened to deliberate on the findings of the 2021 Auditor General’s Report, which had been referred to them for examination.
The PAC expressed grave concern over the implications of universities running unaccredited programs, as it adversely affects students who may aspire to pursue advanced studies at other institutions. In light of this, the committee urged the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to explore the possibility of implementing automatic renewals for ongoing programs, emphasizing the need for expeditious processes. Additionally, they called for vigilant monitoring of accreditation procedures within universities to mitigate setbacks for students.
A member of the committee, Akwasi Konadu, decried the acceptance of such a situation, asserting that it could tarnish the reputation and credibility of universities and compromise the legitimacy of degrees awarded. However, the management of Kumasi Technical University responded by assuring the committee that they were diligently working to obtain accreditation for the 32 programs in question. Currently, 16 of these programs have secured accreditation, while the remaining 16 are at various stages of the accreditation process. The management clarified that the accreditation process typically spans six months to one year.
It was highlighted that accredited programs have a validity period ranging from three to five years, contingent upon the nature of the program. Dr. James Klutse Avedzi, Chairman of the PAC, pledged to invite representatives from GTEC and universities to address the issues surrounding delays in accreditation renewals or approvals. He stressed the necessity of avoiding the evaluation of students in courses and programs lacking accreditation.
Furthermore, Dr. Avedzi underscored that the issue of unaccredited programs extended beyond KsTU, affecting many traditional universities across Ghana. He attributed the delays in program accreditation to both the universities and GTEC, calling for a collaborative effort to rectify the situation.
In a separate development, the PAC referred the Sefwi Wiawso College of Education in the Western North Region to the Attorney-General (A-G) for a thorough investigation, with potential prosecution on the horizon. Dr. Avedzi revealed that the college, led by Principal Dr. Emmanuel Cersamar, had transgressed procurement laws, as highlighted in the 2021 Auditor General’s Report. The institution had disbursed GH¢276,807.22 for goods and services without adhering to proper procurement procedures, failing to solicit alternative quotations in violation of relevant legislation. Auditors recommended sanctions against the heads of institutions for non-compliance with the Procurement Act.
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The ongoing PAC session in Sunyani, which commenced on Monday, is slated to conclude on Friday, September 8, 2023. It focuses on reviewing the Auditor General’s report concerning technical universities, colleges of education, second cycle institutions, and assemblies in the Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, Ashanti, and Western North regions, encompassing data up to December 31, 2021.