The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has directed all tertiary institutions to stop using entrance examinations as a mandatory condition for admission. This directive, issued on July 20, 2026, aims to ensure fairness and equal access to higher education across the country. GTEC stated that requiring entrance exams is inconsistent with Ghana's approved admissions framework.
This decision means that the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results will remain the primary basis for university entry. GTEC observed that some institutions were using entrance exams to bypass or replace these national minimum entry requirements. The Commission believes this practice undermines equitable access to tertiary education for many Ghanaian students.
This move by GTEC fits into a broader national effort to standardize educational access and reduce barriers for students. Ghana's education policy emphasizes a unified approach to tertiary admissions, ensuring that all qualified students have an equal opportunity. The reliance on WASSCE results provides a consistent benchmark for evaluating academic readiness nationwide.
Professor Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, Director-General of GTEC, signed the circular sent to all tertiary institutions. He stated that the Commission has noted with concern that some institutions are introducing entrance examinations as preconditions for admission. This practice effectively bypasses or supersedes the minimum entry requirements based on WASSCE results.
The directive implies that universities must now adjust their admission processes to align with the national framework. Institutions that have already issued admission notices requiring entrance examinations must immediately withdraw them. This change will likely lead to a more streamlined and transparent admission system for prospective students.
GTEC clarified that entrance examinations may still be used as an additional assessment tool for highly competitive programmes. However, these exams must not become a prerequisite that overrides the minimum WASSCE-based admission requirements. This distinction is crucial for maintaining both academic standards and equitable access.
The Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), grants GTEC the statutory mandate to develop and implement policies governing admission criteria. This legal backing reinforces the Commission's authority in issuing such directives. The Act ensures that GTEC can enforce national standards across all tertiary institutions.
This policy change could have significant implications for student enrollment patterns and university autonomy. Some institutions might need to re-evaluate their selection processes and resource allocation. The focus will shift entirely to WASSCE performance, potentially increasing competition based solely on those results.
The directive also highlights GTEC's commitment to upholding the integrity of Ghana's education system. By standardizing admission practices, the Commission aims to prevent arbitrary barriers to higher education. This ensures that academic merit, as measured by WASSCE, remains the principal determinant for university entry.
Stakeholders, including students, parents, and university administrators, will be closely watching the implementation of this directive. Compliance will be key to achieving the desired outcomes of fairness and equal access. GTEC's firm stance underscores its role as the primary regulator of tertiary education in Ghana.