By Grace Zigah
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has issued a stern warning to the general public regarding the operations of the Otumfuo Osei Tutu College of Health, located near the Tafo Government Hospital in Kumasi.
According to a public notice released by the Commission on Wednesday, June 26, 2025, the institution operates without the necessary accreditation. It is not authorized to run any health-related academic programmes in the country.
GTEC, the statutory body responsible for regulating tertiary education in Ghana, emphasized that the college has not met the required standards to be recognized as a legitimate tertiary education provider.
As a result, any certificates, diplomas, or degrees issued by the institution are deemed invalid and are not recognized by government agencies, academic institutions, or professional licensing bodies both in Ghana and abroad.
The Commission cautioned students, parents, and guardians to exercise due diligence before enrolling in any tertiary programme.
“Enrolling in unaccredited institutions may result in significant loss of time, financial resources, and future professional opportunities,” the statement warned.
Deputy Director-General of GTEC, Professor Augustine Ocloo, who signed the public advisory, noted that the notice was issued as a protective measure against misinformation and potential exploitation of unsuspecting students and their families.
He encouraged the public to always confirm the accreditation status of institutions and specific programmes either directly with GTEC or through the appropriate regulatory channels.
This latest warning adds to a growing list of alerts issued by the Commission in recent years as part of its mandate to clamp down on mushrooming institutions that operate outside the legal framework governing tertiary education in Ghana.
Over the past few years, GTEC has intensified efforts to sanitize the sector, having previously shut down several institutions found to be operating without licenses.
The move is expected to further raise awareness about the dangers of enrolling in unauthorized institutions and strengthen calls for regulatory reforms that ensure strict adherence to accreditation standards.
Stakeholders in the education sector have also called for more public education and regular updates on accredited institutions to help curb the activities of such illegal colleges.
The Otumfuo Osei Tutu College of Health, despite its royal association by name, now finds itself at the center of regulatory scrutiny, with its credibility and operations firmly challenged by the nation’s top tertiary education authority.
