The National Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education–Ghana (PRINCOF) has issued a firm statement addressing recent developments and public agitation surrounding the appointment of a Vice Principal at the Dambai College of Education.
In a press release dated January 14, 2026, PRINCOF clarified that the appointment of a Vice Principal, like all senior management positions in Colleges of Education, is governed strictly by established laws and regulatory frameworks. These include the Colleges of Education Act, 2012 (Act 847), the Harmonised Statutes for Colleges of Education, the Tertiary Education Policy, and policy guidelines issued by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
According to PRINCOF, these legal instruments clearly define the qualifications, procedures, and eligibility criteria for such appointments and leave no room for personal preference, bias, or discretionary action by Principals or Governing Councils.
Status of College Librarians and Eligibility for Vice Principal Positions
PRINCOF further explained that following the migration of Colleges of Education into the public university structure in January 2025, GTEC formally classified College Librarians as Professional Staff, rather than Academic Staff. This classification has direct implications for eligibility to occupy statutory academic leadership positions within Colleges of Education.
The position of Vice Principal, PRINCOF emphasized, is reserved for members of the teaching faculty who possess the requisite academic qualifications, professional competence, and administrative experience as stipulated by GTEC.
GTEC’s Statutory Mandate
Citing Section 2 of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), PRINCOF reaffirmed GTEC’s statutory mandate to regulate tertiary education and to set minimum qualifications and entry requirements for office holders in tertiary institutions.
The organization stressed that neither College Governing Councils nor Principals have the authority to override GTEC’s determinations regarding appointments. Any attempt to do so, PRINCOF warned, would constitute a breach of established regulatory frameworks.
PRINCOF’s Position and Solidarity
PRINCOF stated that it fully aligns itself with the directive issued by GTEC instructing the Governing Council of Dambai College of Education to stay action on the appointment of a Vice Principal until all proper procedures are followed.
The conference also expressed strong solidarity with the Principal of Dambai College of Education, Dr. Mrs. Benedicta Awusi Atiku, noting that she acted strictly in accordance with the law, statutes, and approved guidelines governing senior management appointments.
PRINCOF categorically rejected any attempts to personalize or politicize the issue, describing the matter as fundamentally regulatory and procedural in nature.
Call for Calm and Institutional Stability
PRINCOF appealed to staff, students, and all stakeholders of Dambai College of Education to remain calm and to refrain from actions that could disrupt academic activities or threaten institutional stability.
The conference further reminded the public that Colleges of Education are required to obtain financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance, communicated through GTEC, before the recruitment of a substantive Vice Principal can lawfully proceed. Until such clearance is granted, any interim administrative arrangements must strictly comply with GTEC’s directives.
Commitment to Good Governance
In conclusion, PRINCOF reiterated its commitment to good governance, respect for regulatory authority, the protection of Principals who act lawfully and professionally, and the maintenance of peace and academic integrity across all Colleges of Education in Ghana.
The organization urged all stakeholders to allow due process to take its course and to uphold the rule of law in the collective interest of teacher education in the country.
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