The 2021 Auditor General’s Report has uncovered a concerning situation at Kumasi Technical University (KsTU), where 32 programmes, including three new ones, are being offered without accreditation.
These programmes encompass five Master of Technology, nine Bachelor of Technology, 17 Higher National Diploma (HND), and one Diploma programmes.
Also, the report has identified an additional 29 programs at the university that had expired between 2009 and 2018.
This revelation came to light during the recent sitting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament in Sunyani, Bono Region, where they were reviewing the 2021 Auditor General’s Report.
The PAC emphasized that the operation of unaccredited programs by institutions like KsTU has a detrimental impact on students, particularly when they seek admission to pursue advanced programs at other universities.
Consequently, the PAC urged the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to consider implementing automatic renewals for ongoing programs and expedite their accreditation processes.
Additionally, they called upon the commission to conduct regular monitoring of accreditation procedures within universities to prevent such setbacks for students.
A member of the committee, Akwasi Konadu, expressed strong disapproval of universities running programs without accreditation.
He stressed that this practice could tarnish the reputation and credibility of the universities, affecting the recognition of certificates awarded to graduates.
In response to the committee’s concerns, KsTU management assured them that efforts were underway to secure accreditation for the 32 programs.
Currently, 16 of these programs have already received accreditation, while the remaining 16 are in various stages of the accreditation process.
The management also clarified that the accreditation process can be time-consuming, taking anywhere from six months to one year.
Accredited programs typically have a validity period of three to five years, depending on the program type.
The Chairman of the PAC, Dr. James Klutse Avedzi, announced the committee’s intention to invite GTEC and university representatives to discuss solutions to the delays in accreditation renewals or grants.
He emphasized the need to prevent students from enrolling in programs that lack proper accreditation, which could jeopardize their educational pursuits.
Dr. Avedzi pointed out that the issue of unaccredited programs is not unique to KsTU but is a widespread problem in traditional universities across the country.
He attributed part of the blame for these delays to both the universities and GTEC.
Furthermore, the PAC referred the Sefwi Wiawso College of Education in the Western North Region to the Attorney-General (A-G) for investigation and potential prosecution.
The college, under the leadership of Principal Dr. Emmanuel Cersamar, was found to have violated procurement laws by spending GH¢276,807.22 on goods and services without following proper procurement procedures.
The institution also failed to seek alternative quotations, violating relevant procurement regulations.
The auditors recommended sanctions against the heads of these institutions for not complying with the Procurement Act.
The PAC’s session in Sunyani, which began on Monday, is scheduled to conclude on Friday, September 8, 2023.
During this session, they are reviewing the Auditor General’s report covering technical universities, colleges of education, second cycle institutions, and assemblies in the Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, Ashanti, and Western North regions, up to December 31, 2021.
SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh
