The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has called on the Minister of Education, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, to immediately revoke the appointment of Dr. Fred Alpha Adams as Acting Vice Principal of Dambai College of Education, describing the decision as inconsistent with established academic governance rules.
In an open letter dated March 16, 2026, CETAG argued that the appointment of a Senior Assistant Librarian to the position of Acting Vice Principal contravenes statutory provisions, regulatory guidelines and established practices governing academic leadership in tertiary institution
The association said the matter raises critical issues relating to statutory interpretation, regulatory compliance and the integrity of leadership structures in Colleges of Education following their migration to the university salary structure.
According to CETAG, the vacancy in the office of Vice Principal arose on December 13, 2025, when the former Vice Principal’s tenure ended. It maintained that such a vacancy was predictable and could not be classified as a “casual vacancy.”
CETAG cited Statute 12(2) of the Harmonised Statutes, which requires that when a vacancy occurs, the Principal must nominate two academic Senior Staff members, one of whom is elected by convocation for appointment by the governing council.
The association argued that the council’s reliance on provisions relating to casual vacancies to justify the appointment was a misinterpretation of the statutes.
CETAG further stated that the office of Vice Principal is fundamentally an academic leadership position that must be occupied by a qualified academic, usually not below the rank of Principal Tutor.
It explained that academic leadership positions within tertiary institutions are traditionally reserved for individuals engaged in teaching, research and scholarly activities who progress through academic ranks such as lecturer and senior lecturer.
The association noted that non-teaching staff, including librarians and administrative personnel, follow a different career progression and therefore do not qualify for such academic leadership roles.
CETAG also cited the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) Post-Migration Guidelines, which specify that the position of Vice Principal should be held by a professor or, where none is available, a senior lecturer or lecturer in acting capacity.
The guidelines, CETAG said, do not provide for non-teaching staff to occupy the position.
The association argued that allowing non-teaching staff to assume academic leadership roles would undermine academic governance structures and blur the distinction between academic and administrative responsibilities.
CETAG further maintained that the appointment contradicts governance practices in Ghana’s public universities, where leadership positions such as Vice-Chancellor and Pro Vice-Chancellor are held by senior academics.
It also noted that Dambai College of Education’s affiliation with the University for Development Studies (UDS) requires adherence to academic governance standards similar to those applied in public universities.
The association said the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission had already withheld approval for the appointment on December 22, 2025, and warned that maintaining the appointment despite the regulatory decision constitutes non-compliance.
CETAG acknowledged that the council’s report also contained allegations against the Principal of the college, including claims of administrative lapses, but stressed that those allegations had not been substantiated and did not justify the appointment in question.
The association warned that permitting non-teaching staff to occupy the office of Vice Principal could weaken academic leadership, erode the academic progression system and expose colleges to potential litigation and regulatory sanctions.
CETAG therefore urged the Minister of Education to revoke the appointment and ensure that the position is filled in accordance with the Harmonised Statutes and GTEC guidelines.
The association also raised questions about whether academic staff could similarly be appointed to administrative roles such as Librarian, stressing that academic leadership must remain within the academic progression structure.
Copies of the letter were sent to the Deputy Minister of Education, the Director-General of GTEC, the President of the Principals of Colleges of Education (PRINCOF), the Council Chairman of Dambai College of Education and the Principal of the college.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
