In a decisive move to restore order and clarity in tertiary governance, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has ruled in favour of the Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU-TUC), affirming it as the only legitimate body to represent non-teaching staff on the Governing Councils of all Public Traditional Universities in Ghana.
This resolution brings an end to months of rivalry and confusion between two similarly named unions—TEWU-TUC and the breakaway Tertiary Education Workers’ Union (TEWU-GH)—both of which had laid claim to representation rights.
GTEC, in a statement issued Tuesday, June 24, revealed that its decision was grounded in legal consultation, which confirmed TEWU-TUC’s constitutional and procedural authority to serve on the councils. The Commission has therefore directed all universities involved to officially recognise TEWU-TUC delegates and grant them full access to council privileges with immediate effect.
“The Teachers’ and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU-TUC) has the rightful representation on the Governing Councils of the Traditional Universities,” the statement clarified.
Meanwhile, TEWU-GH members who may have already taken seats on university councils have been asked to step down immediately, with GTEC warning against any continued assumption of such roles.
The directive, signed by GTEC Director-General Prof. Jinapor Abdulai, seeks to end what has become a disruptive and legally murky power struggle within tertiary institutions. “The Commission hopes that this directive will bring finality to the impasse,” Prof. Abdulai stated, calling on all parties for cooperation.
The clash between the two unions had threatened to stall governance activities in some universities, raising concerns about institutional legitimacy, staff representation, and the smooth running of council decisions. GTEC’s intervention is now expected to restore confidence and streamline labour representation in university administration.
Analysts say the ruling not only clarifies union representation but also sets a precedent for handling similar disputes in Ghana’s labour sector, especially within the evolving landscape of union realignments and breakaways.
