The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has taken decisive action against Nyarkotey University College of Holistic Medicine and Technology, located in Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region, for operating unaccredited programmes and facilities. This enforcement, which underscores the Commission’s commitment to ensuring compliance in the tertiary education sector, culminated in the arrest of Dr. Ademan Tetteh, one of the directors of the institution.
The Investigation and Arrest
On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, officials from GTEC, in collaboration with officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), visited the premises of the Ashaiman-based university. Their investigations revealed that the institution was running programmes that lacked accreditation from GTEC—a clear violation of regulatory standards. Additionally, Dr. Tetteh was found to be operating an unaccredited health facility.
Dr. Tetteh, who is one of three directors of the university, was present during the visit. However, his co-directors, Daniel Tetteh Boafo and Professor Nyarkotey Obu, were absent at the time. After waiting for some time without the other directors showing up and receiving no evidence of accreditation from the authorities present, CID officials proceeded to arrest Dr. Tetteh for further interrogation. The Registrar of the school was also taken into custody as part of the investigation.
Questions Surrounding Academic Titles
In a surprising twist, Dr. Tetteh was found to be using an unearned doctorate title. When questioned about this, he claimed that it was an honorary title conferred upon him. This revelation has raised further concerns about the credibility of the institution and its leadership.
Deputy Director of Compliance at GTEC, Jerry Sarfo, addressed journalists following the arrests. He emphasized that the Commission had been receiving persistent calls to address institutions running unaccredited programmes. “This is something we’re doing because there have been persistent calls for people to desist from running unaccredited programmes, and they keep doing it. So, there was the need for us to actually enforce compliance,” he stated.
He further added that investigations would continue regarding the honorary doctorate and professorship titles held by individuals associated with the institution. “Yes, we have seen that they have been offered Doctorship and honorary professorship and we need to look at it first before we are able to justify. So, for that one we don’t want to be in there. But the purpose for which we’re here is for the fact that the institution is running an unaccredited programme which we frown upon as a Commission,” Mr. Sarfo stressed.
Upholding Standards in Tertiary Education
The actions taken by GTEC highlight its commitment to maintaining high standards in Ghana’s tertiary education sector. Accreditation ensures that institutions meet rigorous academic and operational benchmarks, thereby safeguarding students’ interests and protecting the integrity of the country’s educational system.
Running unaccredited programmes not only undermines these standards but also jeopardizes the future of students who enroll in such institutions under false pretenses. GTEC’s intervention serves as a reminder to all tertiary institutions to comply with regulatory requirements and uphold ethical practices in their operations.
Conclusion
The case involving Nyarkotey University College of Holistic Medicine and Technology is a wake-up call for educational institutions across Ghana. It underscores the importance of accreditation as a cornerstone of quality assurance in higher education. As investigations continue, it remains imperative for stakeholders in the sector to prioritize compliance and transparency.
GTEC’s proactive stance demonstrates its dedication to fostering a credible and reputable tertiary education system in Ghana—one that aligns with global standards and meets the aspirations of students and society at large.
-Onuaonline
Curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
