Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu says the government is preparing a policy amendment that will make the acquisition of a Presidential Charter optional for private universities. The ministry is finalising a cabinet memo to seek approval for the new framework, which aims to address long-standing concerns from private tertiary institutions.
Private universities have often argued that the chartering process is rigid, slow, and limits their ability to innovate. A Presidential Charter grants full autonomy to confer degrees and certificates. However, many institutions say the current model delays growth and creates unnecessary administrative pressure.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement on the Kwaku Ansa-Asare Committee report in Accra, Mr Iddrisu said the ministry is close to completing the memo for Cabinet consideration. He added that, if necessary, the ministry may request executive approval from President John Mahama due to time constraints.
He emphasised the need to acknowledge the contribution of private universities to national development. According to him, the ministry remains focused on access, relevance, and quality. He noted that the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission will continue to enforce strong quality assurance standards.
Chairman of Parliament’s Education Committee, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, welcomed the proposal and described it as long overdue. He said feedback gathered from visits to private universities showed broad support for an optional system. Ranking Member Dr Yaw Adutwum has also endorsed the call for flexibility.
Mr Nortsu-Kotoe highlighted the financial relief private universities provide to the state. Studies indicate that the government saves about GH₵50,000 for every student enrolled in a private institution. He added that high enrolment levels in private universities reduce pressure on public university infrastructure.
