Ghana’s tertiary education system has suffered a serious setback in recent years and now requires practical, urgent steps to mitigate its alarming impact on the entire education sector.

The nation is left wondering whether the spirit of patriotism and pragmatic leadership once embodied by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and others still lives among us.

Indeed, does Africa still have selfless and principled scholars like Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Nelson Mandela of South Africa, Chinua Achebe of Nigeria, Wangari Maathai of Kenya, Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba of Kenya and the many distinguished, forward-looking personalities who shaped our history—from ancient civilizations like Egypt and Timbuktu to modern academic thought in education, politics, literature, science and more?

The obvious answer is no. Not many such figures remain. Ghana, for example, is divided on matters of education; regrettably, state institutions are increasingly polarised. Our education system has become acrimonious, negative and unproductive. In recent years, our approach to tertiary education has been undermined by blind political fanaticism and tribal chauvinism. The pursuit of greed and power—coupled with stomach politics—has encouraged a dark culture of sycophancy and senseless opportunism.

Decency, honesty and integrity within our law enforcement institutions are fading. Some individuals will say anything, support anything, and defend every falsehood so long as it brings personal benefit. It no longer matters how ridiculous, idiotic or bizarre the position may appear to the public. The national interest has been completely compromised.

This is how low tertiary education in Ghana has sunk—because of a single individual whose influence appears to surpass that of the President of the Republic.

A whole commission responsible for regulating tertiary education has been reduced to the personal property of one “monster,” operated as though it were a private enterprise. The conduct of certain principals—most notably Prof. Atintono of Accra College of Education, Dr. Samuel Addae Boateng of Atebubu College of Education and a few others—illustrates a disturbing pattern of treachery and blatant disregard for established rules. Together with their paymaster, they appear to operate with impunity, acting without fear of accountability. The regulator, seemingly oblivious, appears detached, leaving the public to question who is truly in charge.

This unchecked behaviour has created a gloomy culture of lawlessness where might is right and those in authority act as though they are above the law. The absence of consequences has emboldened these individuals and perpetuated a system that rewards treachery and incompetence.

We, the marginalised teaching staff of the Colleges of Education—who have endured emotional trauma and human rights abuses after decades of dedicated service—await the response of the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama; the Vice President, Her Excellency Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman; the Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu; and all stakeholders to this egregious professional and academic scandal.

The nation is watching, expecting decisive action to address the rot and restore dignity to the tertiary education sector.

All citizens of Ghana must rise to the occasion and honour the trust placed in the current government. Under no circumstances should we maintain the harmful status quo, lest we entrench the culture of impunity and mediocrity that has plagued the system.

The coalition of aggrieved CETAG members awaits, with bated breath, a resolution that will redeem the tarnished image of Ghana’s tertiary education system and restore its stolen glory.

On that note, Mr. President, we—the downgraded staff of the Colleges of Education—appeal to your compassion and commitment to justice. As you have always demonstrated, you are a leader who listens to the cries of your people. We therefore draw strength from your empathetic leadership and humbly request that you intervene in our situation.

We believe your prompt action will bring relief and restore the fairness and equality that existed during the tenure of Prof. Salifu and others.

We remain confident that you will do all it takes to address our concerns and bring this matter to a just resolution.

We are grateful for your dedication to the welfare of the Ghanaian people and look forward to a positive response from your office.

Tertiary education in Ghana must rise again!!!