The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has taken decisive action against the Royal Nursing College in Kumasi, ordering its immediate closure due to the institution’s unauthorized operation for nearly four years without proper accreditation. This directive, issued on September 12, 2025, and signed by GTEC’s Director-General, Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, reveals a concerning lapse in the college’s regulatory compliance, with its accreditation having expired on December 16, 2021. The gravity of the situation is underscored by the fact that the college continued to admit and train students despite its unaccredited status, casting doubt on the legitimacy and validity of the qualifications awarded to those students. This action highlights GTEC’s commitment to upholding the quality and integrity of tertiary education in Ghana.
The decision to close the Royal Nursing College comes after a series of deliberations and a meeting held on August 28, 2025, involving representatives from the college, GTEC, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and the Ministry of Health’s Health Training Institutions Unit. The meeting served as a platform for the regulatory bodies to express their serious concerns about the college’s continued operation without accreditation and the potential implications for students who enrolled under the assumption of a valid educational program. The discussions highlighted the need for immediate action to rectify the situation and safeguard the interests of the affected students. The involvement of multiple stakeholders reflects a collaborative approach to addressing this critical issue within Ghana’s tertiary education landscape.
GTEC’s directive outlines a series of mandatory steps the Royal Nursing College must undertake to address its accreditation lapse and potentially regain its operational status. Central to this is the requirement for the college to collaborate with its mentor institution, the University of Cape Coast (UCC), to develop a comprehensive “teach-out” plan. This plan will aim to provide a pathway for students admitted between 2021 and 2024 to complete their studies and obtain recognized qualifications, mitigating the disruption caused by the college’s closure. The collaboration with UCC is crucial in leveraging the expertise and resources of an established institution to ensure the quality and continuity of education for the affected students.
Beyond the teach-out plan, GTEC mandates a complete halt to all admissions at the Royal Nursing College until its accreditation is reinstated. This measure is designed to prevent further enrollments in potentially invalid programs and protect prospective students from being misled about the college’s operational status. Furthermore, the college is required to submit comprehensive documentation on its staff, including appointment letters, CVs, and proof of remuneration. This step aims to verify the credentials and legitimacy of the college’s teaching and management personnel, ensuring that qualified individuals are responsible for delivering educational programs.
The Royal Nursing College is also tasked with addressing all identified regulatory deficiencies flagged by both GTEC and the NMC. This involves providing concrete evidence of corrective actions taken to rectify the shortcomings and demonstrate its commitment to compliance with regulatory standards. The directive underscores the need for thorough self-assessment and concrete actions to reform the college’s operations. Before any consideration for re-accreditation, a joint verification exercise will be conducted by GTEC and the NMC. This rigorous evaluation will ensure that the college meets all necessary requirements and has effectively addressed the issues that led to its closure.
GTEC’s decisive action against the Royal Nursing College emphasizes the importance of maintaining strict adherence to accreditation standards in Ghana’s tertiary education system. The closure serves as a strong deterrent against unauthorized operations and underscores the Commission’s commitment to protecting the interests of students and ensuring the quality and credibility of educational institutions. The comprehensive measures outlined in the directive, including the teach-out plan, staff documentation, and corrective actions, reflect a comprehensive approach to rectifying the situation and safeguarding the future of affected students. The joint verification exercise prior to re-accreditation further reinforces the commitment to upholding rigorous standards and ensuring that the college meets all necessary requirements before resuming its operations. This case serves as an important reminder of the crucial role accreditation plays in ensuring the quality and integrity of tertiary education.
