The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has directed all public universities across the country to reopen for the 2026/2027 academic year by Friday, October 16, 2026, despite ongoing industrial actions involving sections of university staff.
In a circular addressed to all vice-chancellors and dated October 13, 2026, the Commission said the directive followed instructions from the Minister for Education and was intended to safeguard academic activities and prevent further disruptions to higher education.
GTEC acknowledged the administrative challenges arising from the industrial action by the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) and the Tertiary University Senior Staff Association of Ghana (TUSSAG), but noted that the prolonged suspension of academic activities could have serious implications for students’ academic progression, institutional operations and international academic partnerships.
The Commission disclosed that the government, through the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), had initiated engagements with the leadership of GAUA to facilitate the speedy resolution of outstanding grievances.
Under the directive, all public universities are required to officially reopen their campuses not later than October 16, irrespective of any earlier decisions to postpone reopening.
Governing councils and university management have also been instructed to ensure that lectures commence on Monday, October 19, 2026, in line with approved academic calendars.
In addition, GTEC requested members of GAUA to resume their administrative duties within the framework of the ongoing good-faith negotiations between the government and the association.
The Commission further directed management of public universities to ensure that halls of residence, academic libraries, registration centres and other essential student support facilities are fully staffed and operational by Thursday, October 15, 2026, to facilitate a smooth registration process and the effective resumption of academic work.
The directive is expected to pave the way for the start of the new academic year while discussions continue between government and university staff unions over their concerns.