GTEC Steps In to Resolve Ownership, Leadership Dispute at Wiawso College of Education

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has stepped in to address concerns over the ownership, governance and leadership of the Wiawso College of Education following disagreements among key stakeholders of the institution.

The Commission held a stakeholder engagement on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, bringing together representatives of the Anglican Church, the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Council, the College and other community stakeholders.

The discussions followed concerns over the status and ownership of the College and issues surrounding the appointment of a new Principal.

At the meeting, GTEC reaffirmed that Wiawso College of Education is a state-owned public tertiary education institution, while acknowledging the historical contributions of the Anglican Church and the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Council to its establishment and development.

The Commission urged the parties to move away from competing claims of exclusive ownership and instead recognise the respective contributions of the Government, the Church and the Sefwi Wiawso community.

GTEC Director-General Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai led the Commission’s delegation to the meeting, while the Anglican Church was represented by a delegation led by the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of the Internal Province of Ghana, Archbishop Cyril Ben Smith.

Also present were the Principal of Wiawso College of Education, Prof. Emmanuel Carsamer, the Chairman of the College Council and representatives of the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Council, including Nana Kwabena Amoako, Nana Kwasi Gyabeng II and Nana Elluo Panyin III.

Other participants included Lt. Col. Anthony Aduhene (Rtd), former Minister Dr Kwaku Afriyie and the Member of Parliament for Sefwi Wiawso, Kofi Afful Benteh, as well as representatives of pressure groups and other community stakeholders.

The engagement allowed the parties to present their positions and clarify areas of disagreement while exploring measures to strengthen collaboration and institutional stability.

Discussions also focused on the Anglican Church’s longstanding relationship with the College, particularly its contribution to the institution’s moral and spiritual development.

Stakeholders, however, maintained that the historical association of the Church with the College should not prevent qualified persons from occupying leadership positions on the basis of their religious affiliation.

The meeting recommended that the Anglican Church continue to play a role in the College alongside the Traditional Council and other relevant stakeholders.

The parties were also encouraged to work together in the interest of the College and the wider Sefwi Wiawso community.

Meanwhile, the meeting briefly considered the proposed establishment of a university for the Western North Region.

Stakeholders sought the support of Prof. Abdulai for the initiative. The GTEC Director-General indicated his willingness to assist, in consultation with the Minister for Education, provided the Anglican Church and Traditional Council continue to coexist harmoniously.

GTEC said the engagement provides an opportunity for the stakeholders to move beyond competing claims and pursue an approach that promotes merit, transparency, professionalism and institutional stability at Wiawso College of Education.