The National Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education, Ghana (PRINCOF), has appealed for restraint and constructive engagement following demands by sections of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) for the exit of the Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, and his Deputy, Prof. Augustine Ocloo.

In a statement released on Monday and signed by PRINCOF’s General Secretary, Dr. Samuel Addae-Boateng, the conference said it had taken note of the calls with concern and advised stakeholders to pursue a more cautious and consultative approach.

PRINCOF acknowledged the issues raised by UTAG branches within the traditional public universities but cautioned that the use of public pressure, deadlines, and threats of strike action could be counterproductive and warrants careful reconsideration.

The principals maintained that challenges related to leadership and governance in the tertiary education sector are best addressed through dialogue and consensus-building, rather than confrontation.

They encouraged stakeholders with grievances to make use of appropriate statutory and administrative channels, including the Ministry of Education and the GTEC Governing Board, stressing that such avenues allow for collaborative solutions and reduce the risk of heightened tensions.

PRINCOF warned that setting ultimatums and adopting adversarial tactics could destabilise academic institutions and disrupt the smooth functioning of the sector.

The conference also highlighted its working relationship with GTEC’s current leadership, describing Prof. Jinapor Abdulai and Prof. Ocloo as approachable and receptive to engagement.

According to PRINCOF, interactions with the commission under their stewardship have been characterised by openness and willingness to listen to concerns.

The body therefore called on all parties to remain calm and prioritise dialogue, urging government officials, regulators, and academic staff to work together to resolve differences in a way that safeguards the credibility of Ghana’s tertiary education system and supports national development.