The National Service Authority (NSA) has suspended the deployment of graduates from 13 tertiary institutions for this year’s national service. This action occurred because these institutions lacked accredited status from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
The NSA confirmed that the affected institutions had submitted names of their graduating students for deployment. However, a subsequent verification with GTEC revealed their unaccredited status. This decision directly impacts thousands of prospective national service personnel who now face delays in their mandatory service.
This development highlights Ghana's ongoing efforts to ensure quality and regulatory compliance within its tertiary education system. The government, through GTEC, aims to uphold educational standards and protect students from unrecognised qualifications. Previous instances of unaccredited institutions operating have raised concerns about the integrity of academic degrees.
Ms. Ruth Dela Seddoh, Director-General of the NSA, signed the statement announcing the suspension. She explained that the decision relies on accreditation information provided by GTEC. GTEC is the statutory body responsible for regulating and accrediting tertiary institutions in Ghana.
The NSA stated that graduates from these institutions could still be considered for national service. This would happen once their respective institutions resolve accreditation issues and GTEC formally confirms their accredited status. The Authority will then take necessary steps to facilitate processing and deployment.
Affected institutions include Multimedia Institute of Ghana, Abbeam Institute of Technology, and Star College of Communication. Others are Standard College of Technology, Institute of Commercial Management, UK, and Christ Apostolic University College. Oxford Institute of Business and Journalism, Heaf Professional Colleges, and NIIT Open Labs Ghana are also on the list. The remaining institutions are Community University College, Takoradi, SS Peter and Paul Pastoral and Social Institute, Adonai University College of Research and Entrepreneurship, and College of Tropical Agriculture.
This measure ensures the integrity and credibility of the National Service Programme. It also protects prospective national service personnel from engaging with unrecognised qualifications. The NSA will continue collaborating with GTEC to ensure only graduates from duly accredited institutions are mobilised.
The affected institutions must engage directly with GTEC to regularise their accreditation status. Prospective national service personnel should liaise with their schools for updates. This situation underscores the critical importance of institutional accreditation for both students and the national service scheme.