A view of the entrance of the University of Cape Coast (UCC)
The impasse between the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) appears to have taken another turn, with the university acting in accordance with GTEC’s directive by appointing an interim Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof Denis Worlanyo Aheto.
In a statement dated September 24, 2025, the institution stated that the development followed an emergency meeting held by its Governing Council.
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“The University Governing Council wishes to inform the University Community, its stakeholders and the general public that at an emergency meeting held on 24th September 2025, Council decided to abide by the directives from Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). Accordingly, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof Denis Worlanyo Aheto is to act in the interim,” the statement read.
The institution also indicated that its activities, including academic work, will continue to proceed without any interruptions.
“The Council wishes to assure all stakeholders and the University Community that the University remains stable. Academic and administrative activities continue without disruption,” it added.
Background
In a letter dated Friday, September 19, 2025, GTEC demanded the retirement of Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof Johnson Nyarko Boampong, citing his attainment of the mandatory retirement age of 60, as stipulated under Article 199(1) of the 1992 Constitution, and adding that his continued tenure violates constitutional provisions governing public officers.
“Article 199(1) stipulates that a public officer shall, except as otherwise provided in this Constitution, retire from the public service on attaining the age of sixty years,” the letter read.
It further noted that the Vice-Chancellor’s office, established under Section 7(1) of the University of Cape Coast Act, 1992 (PNDCL 278), qualifies as a public office, mandating retirement at 60 years.
GTEC referenced the UCC Statutes (2016), which limit the Vice-Chancellor’s tenure to an initial four years, renewable for three additional years, provided the statutory retirement age is not exceeded.
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The commission also in its Friday, September 19, 2025, letter added that it has appointed Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Denis Worlanyo Aheto to act as Vice-Chancellor, in line with its regulatory authority under Section 7 of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act (Act 1023).
MAG/VPO
Also, watch some videos from the NPP’s protest below:
