The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has withdrawn its earlier policy directive on retirement age and post-retirement contracts for academic senior members in public universities, following instructions from the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu.
The directive followed a meeting between the minister and the leadership of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), where concerns were raised regarding the implementation of the directive originally issued on October 1, 2025, by GTEC.
Directive
A statement signed and issued by the Deputy Director-General of GTEC, Professor Augustine Ocloo, said the GTEC acted in compliance with the minister’s directive to immediately withdraw the policy to allow for broader consultations with relevant stakeholders.
“In compliance with the minister’s directive, and pending further consultations with all relevant stakeholders to ensure broad consensus and institutional sustainability, GTEC hereby announces the immediate withdrawal of the policy directive dated October 1, 2025.
Further guidance will be communicated following the conclusion of stakeholder consultation,” the statement added.
The statement was copied to all relevant stakeholders, including the Minister of Education, the Vice-Chancellors of traditional universities, Vice-Chancellors of Technical Universities, the Chief Director of the ministry, the Chairman of the Public Services Commission, the Executive Secretary of Vice-Chancellors Ghana, the National President of UTAG and the National President of TUTAG.
The statement explained that the engagement process was intended to ensure consensus and promote institutional sustainability across the tertiary education sector.
Post-retirement contract procedures
The withdrawn directive had established a detailed framework governing retirement and post-retirement engagement for staff of public tertiary institutions.
It reaffirmed the compulsory retirement age of 60 years as stipulated under Article 199(1) of the 1992 Constitution, with retirement taking effect on the exact date a staff member attained that age.
It further indicated that all appointments, including administrative roles such as Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and Head of Department, would automatically terminate upon retirement.
Institutions were required to initiate retirement processes at least nine months in advance.
Conditions for post-retirement contracts
The policy also outlined strict conditions for post-retirement contracts, describing them as a privilege rather than a right and limiting eligibility primarily to Teaching Senior Members.
Such engagements were to be based on exceptional institutional need and restricted strictly to teaching and research duties, excluding any administrative responsibilities.
Applicants seeking post-retirement contracts were required to submit formal applications at least six months before retirement, supported by justification, proposed roles and curriculum vitae.
These applications will be subjected to institutional assessment, approval by governing councils and final authorisation by GTEC.
The directive also stated that no individual could remain in post beyond retirement without prior written approval from GTEC, warning that any unauthorised service would be considered invalid and could result in sanctions, including financial surcharges on responsible officials.
GTEC indicated that further directives would be communicated after consultations with stakeholders are completed and called for continued cooperation from public tertiary institutions.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh