GTEC leads the way in establishing distance education policy framework

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) recently orchestrated a pivotal stakeholders’ dialogue, drawing together key players in the Ghanaian tertiary education sector to deliberate the formulation of a robust policy framework aimed at regulating distance education and learning in the country.

The event which took place on Friday April 12, 2024 in Accra witnessed the active participation of various tertiary institutions nationwide.

It sought to address the transforming landscape of education delivery, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Director of Accreditation at GTEC John Dadzie Mensah, stressed the imperative need to regulate the domain of innovative tertiary program delivery post-pandemic.

He stressed the significance of ensuring quality within this flexible sphere, emphasizing the risks associated with overlooking comprehensive policies.

Mensah highlighted the collaborative nature of the stakeholders’ conference, underscoring the pivotal role of institutions in refining the policy draft for effective implementation.

When queried about the objectives of the policy, Mensah outlined the aim to establish a comprehensive framework that guarantees quality assurance at both institutional and regulatory levels, ultimately benefiting the Ghanaian populace.

Professor Goski Alabi, Consulting President of Laweh Open University College, lauded the dialogue as timely and essential for enhancing quality in higher education.

Alabi emphasized the dynamic nature of quality assurance, stressing the need for continuous improvement. She underlined the significance of open education in removing barriers to learning, particularly in the digital age, and emphasized the importance of recognizing prior learning within the education system.

Professor Eric Nyarko Sampson, Vice Chancellor of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development, expressed enthusiasm for integrating distance education into the university’s agenda.

He emphasized the alignment of institutional policies with national guidelines to enhance educational practices.

In an interview, Dean of the School of Continuing and Distance Education, College of Education, University of Ghana, Professor Oliver Frimpong Kwapong, shared insights on the university’s experience in distance education.

Prof. Kwapong highlighted the institution’s commitment to providing quality distance learning programs and ensuring parity between distance learners and traditional students in terms of delivery, assessment, and certification.

She emphasized the role of education as a tool for development and commended the regulator’s efforts to establish a policy framework for standardized distance education delivery across Ghanaian universities.

The stakeholders’ dialogue underscored the collective commitment to advancing distance education in Ghana and the importance of collaborative efforts in shaping a sustainable policy framework for the future.

Source:Joseph Kobla Wemakor