The 2021 Auditor General's Report has disclosed that Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) is offering 32 unaccredited programs, including three new ones.

These programs encompass five Master of Technology, nine Bachelor of Technology, 17 Higher National Diploma (HND), and one Diploma program. Additionally, the report identified 29 of the university's programs that expired between 2009 and 2018.

This revelation came to light during a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament, held in Sunyani, Bono Region, to discuss the 2021 Auditor General's Report. The PAC expressed concerns about the adverse impact of unaccredited programs on students who may later seek admission to other universities.

The committee called on the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to explore automatic program renewals and expedite their processes. They also urged GTEC to regularly monitor accreditation processes in universities to prevent setbacks for students.

A committee member, Akwasi Konadu, emphasized that running programs without accreditation is unacceptable and could damage the reputation and credibility of the universities and their awarded certificates.

KsTU's management responded by stating that they were working diligently to obtain accreditation for the 32 programs. Sixteen of them had already received accreditation, and the remaining 16 were in various stages of the accreditation process. They explained that the accreditation process typically takes between six months and one year, and accredited programs remain valid for three to five years, depending on the program type.

The PAC, chaired by Dr. James Klutse Avedzi, announced plans to invite GTEC and universities to address issues related to accreditation delays. Dr. Avedzi acknowledged that the problem of running unaccredited programs was not unique to KsTU and extended to many traditional universities in Ghana.

He attributed the delays to both the universities and GTEC and stressed the need for a solution.

Furthermore, the PAC referred the Sefwi Wiawso College of Education in the Western North Region to the Attorney-General for investigation and possible prosecution. The college, led by its Principal, Dr. Emmanuel Cersamar, was found to have breached procurement laws by spending GH¢276,807.22 on goods and services without adhering to procurement processes or seeking alternative quotations, as recommended by the auditors.

The PAC session in Sunyani, covering technical universities, colleges of education, second cycle institutions, and assemblies in the Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, Ashanti, and Western North regions, is set to conclude on Friday, September 8, 2023.