The Private University Founders Association (PUFA) has commended the Ministry of Education and its sector minister, Haruna Iddrisu, for taking steps to address long-standing concerns raised by private tertiary institutions regarding Ghana’s current regulatory framework.

In a statement signed by Executive Secretary of PUFA, Martin k. Gyambrah expressed appreciation to the Minister for acknowledging the challenges private universities face under the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), and for initiating processes to amend the law.

According to PUFA, a Cabinet Memorandum is being finalised to make the chartering process optional for private universities.

"This policy shift directly addresses the long-standing challenges associated with the current chartering framework, which Private Universities have often found restrictive and cumbersome.

Making charter acquisition optional will provide institutions with greater flexibility to innovate and enhance their contributions to national development," the statement read.

The Association also welcomed the Minister’s recognition of the crucial role private universities play in widening access to higher education.

It highlighted the Ministry’s renewed emphasis on Access, Relevance, and Quality (ARQ), complemented by oversight from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), as a balanced framework that supports growth while maintaining academic standards.

PUFA further acknowledged the backing of Parliament’s Select Committee on Education, led by Hon. Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, whose advocacy aligns with the push for optional chartering.

The Association referenced Mr. Nortsu-Kotoe’s observation that government saves about GH₵50,000 per student enrolled in a private institution—an indication of the significant relief private universities provide to the state.

Reaffirming its commitment, PUFA stated it remains ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Education, GTEC, Parliament, and other stakeholders to strengthen Ghana’s tertiary education landscape and advance reforms that enhance the sector’s performance.

Read the full statement below:

Press Release-PUFA Commends Ministry of Education for Addressing Concerns of Private Universities-sigDownload