Ensuring merit-based appointments in tertiary institutions

On Monday, January 13, 2025, the Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari II, ordered the closure of the St Vincent College of Education following a disagreement over the appointment of the new principal for the institution.

True to his directive, the college was closed down from that day until January 21, when the Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Prof. Ahmed Jinapor, after a closed-door meeting with the Ya-Na, announced the resolution of the impasse and asked the college to resume work.

The controversy surrounding the appointment of a new principal for the St Vincent College of Education has brought to the fore the need for merit-based appointments in Ghana's tertiary institutions. 

The incident also highlights the challenges that institutions face when external factors influence appointment decisions.

The Daily Graphic is happy that the impasse has been resolved, paving the way for the resumption of activities on campus awaiting the arrival of the students.

Particularly refreshing and reassuring was the clarification by the Registrar for the Dagbon Traditional Council, Alhassan Abdul-Fataw, that the Ya-Na’s directive was to ensure the safety of the lives and property of the school.

Many concerned citizens were uncomfortable that the closure gave the impression that it was a direct protest of the Overlord. At least, now, we know that the instruction by the Overlord was for the protection of lives and properties.

Citizens of communities should not be fixated on getting indigenes to lead state institutions in their communities. Indeed, many of those who bring change to our communities are often non-indigenes. In most places, such individuals are enstooled as development chiefs and queens.

The Daily Graphic expects the GTEC to be firm in ensuring that the appointment of heads of tertiary institutions is done according to the rules, regulations and standards, as well as norms anchored in the constitution of the land.

The importance of merit-based appointments cannot be overstated. Such appointments ensure that the most qualified and capable individuals are selected to lead institutions, regardless of their ethnic or traditional background.

This approach promotes fairness, transparency and accountability, and helps to build trust in the institution.

In Ghana, the Constitution and various statutes provide a framework for the operation of tertiary institutions, including the appointment of heads of institutions and, therefore, GTEC is responsible for ensuring that appointments are made in accordance with these rules and regulations.

However, as the recent controversy has shown, external factors can sometimes influence appointment decisions.

Traditional leaders, community members and other stakeholders may exert pressure on institutions to appoint individuals who are not necessarily the most qualified or capable.

To address this challenge, institutions must develop clear and transparent appointment procedures that are based on merit. Such procedures should include a clear criteria for selection, a transparent evaluation process, and a commitment to selecting the most qualified candidate, regardless of their background.

Additionally, institutions must engage with stakeholders, including traditional leaders and community members, to educate them on the importance of merit-based appointments.

This can help to build trust and understanding and reduce the pressure on institutions to make appointments based on external factors.

The Daily Graphic is of the belief that, merit-based appointments are essential for ensuring that tertiary institutions are led by capable and effective leaders.

Institutions must therefore develop clear and transparent appointment procedures, engage with stakeholders and commit to selecting the most qualified candidates, regardless of their background. 

By doing so, we can promote fairness, transparency and accountability and help to build trust in our institutions.