CETAG 'blocks' appointment of librarian as Acting Vice Principal

Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has appealed to the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, to revoke the appointment of a Senior Assistant Librarian, Fred Alpha Adams as Acting Vice Principal of Dambai College of Education, stating that the decision undermines academic governance rules.

In a statement released on Monday, March 16, 2026, by CETAG, the group argued that the appointment of Fred Alpha Adams to the position is inconsistent with the Harmonised Statutes governing Colleges of Education and the post-migration guidelines issued by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).

The teacher educators’ association argued that the office of Vice Principal is an academic leadership role that must be occupied by a qualified member of the academic staff within the recognised academic progression ladder.

“The appointment of a Senior Assistant Librarian as Acting Vice Principal is inconsistent with Statute 12(2) of the Harmonised Statutes, the Harmonised Scheme of Service, the GTEC Post-Migration Guidelines, and established practice across Ghana’s public universities,” a report by citinewsroom.com quoted CETAG’ statement.

They further explained that the vacancy at the college is as a result of the expiration of the former Vice Principal’s tenure in December 2025. A development which is described as predictable and therefore not a “casual vacancy”.

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It maintained that the Harmonised Statutes require the Principal to nominate two academic Senior Staff A members when such a vacancy occurs, after which one is elected by convocation for appointment by the governing council.

CETAG also said the appointment contradicts GTEC’s post-migration guidelines, which means that the Vice Principal position should be held by an academic at the professorial level, or at least a senior lecturer where a professor is unavailable.

“There is no provision for non-teaching staff to act in this capacity,” the association stated.

The union further warned that allowing non-teaching staff to occupy the position could undermine academic leadership in Colleges of Education and weaken the governance framework established after the institutions migrated to the university salary structure.

CETAG said the decision also conflicts with governance standards in Ghana’s public universities, where senior academic positions such as Vice-Chancellor or Pro Vice-Chancellor are reserved for members of the academic staff.

The association is however urging the education minister to intervene and ensure immediate compliance with the applicable statutes and regulatory guidelines.

“For these reasons, the appointment cannot be sustained under the instruments currently in force,” CETAG said.

It is therefore calling for the revocation of the appointment and the initiation of a new process consistent with the governing statutes of educational colleges.

SO/VPO

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