Only 61 of 360 KNUST programmes accredited – AG report

Out of the 360 programmes offered at the Kumasi-based Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, only 61 of the KNUST programmes are accredited, a 2021 Auditor-General report has disclosed.

“Out of the 360 programmes run by KNUST, only 61 have been accredited, 190 sent to National Accreditation Board (NAB) for accreditation and reaccreditation with 109 yet to be sent to NAB for accreditation,” the report stated.

The Auditor-General has consequently called on the University to cease running programmes that are not accredited or having their accredited certificates expire, until they are accredited or renewed, to avoid sanctions by NAB.

The audit further said four officers of KNUST, who were granted sabbatical leave, took up various appointments in other government institutions where they are enjoying full (basic salary and other allowances) monthly salaries in addition to basic and Market Premium being paid by the University (KNUST).

“We recommended to the management of the Science and Technology University to ensure that the officers refund the salaries paid by the University for the sabbatical leave period to the consolidated fund,” the Auditor report stated.

In a related development, Dr Adutwum, the Minister for Education following the Auditor-General’s report has said all unaccredited programmes offered at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology will be cancelled.

The Education Minister in an interview monitored by AcademicWeek said the management of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) in charge of tertiary courses accreditation will be summoned over the issue.

“I am yet to read the 2021 Auditor-General’s report but if it is true that only 61 out of the 360 courses offered by the KNUST are accredited then GTEC is going to have to answer some serious questions,” Dr Osei Yaw Adutwum stated.

The Education Minister added that “they are going to have to stop the programmes. It is unacceptable and whatever intervention they need to provide. All I know is that GTEC accredits every programme offered at the tertiary level

The management of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has told me all programmes run at the various public universities are accredited so if only 61 out of the 360 courses are accredited then it’s a worrying situation.”

Asked if there would be any sanctions should the 2021 Auditor-General’s report be accurate and final, the Minister of Education said his outfit will meet the management of the Education Commission (GTEC) for further discussion.