The Ministry of Education has stepped in to halt the implementation of a controversial directive by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission on post-retirement contracts, following growing concerns over its impact on staffing in public universities.
The decision, announced by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, instructs GTEC to withdraw earlier letters issued in late September and early October 2025, which sought to regulate the engagement of academic senior members beyond the mandatory retirement age of 60.
According to a statement signed by the Minister’s Press Secretary, Mr Hashmin Mohammed, the move is intended to allow for broader consultations with key stakeholders, including the University Teachers Association of Ghana.
The Ministry emphasised that the suspension is aimed at ensuring that any final policy decision reflects consensus, safeguards institutional stability, and supports the long-term development of Ghana’s tertiary education sector.
The GTEC directive had earlier triggered concern within academia, particularly as its enforcement reportedly led to staff shortages in some institutions. At the University of Cape Coast, for instance, dozens of lecturers were affected, raising questions about the capacity of universities to maintain teaching and research standards.
While GTEC had sought to strictly enforce retirement at age 60, the Ministry’s intervention signals a pause in that approach, with a revised policy expected after consultations are concluded.
The government says it remains committed to a transparent and inclusive process in resolving the issue, as discussions continue on how best to balance workforce renewal with the retention of experienced academic professionals.
