In a decisive move to protect students and uphold educational standards, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has ordered the management of Royal Nursing College in Kumasi to refund all fees paid by students in its first and second years. The directive follows the institution’s loss of accreditation and the subsequent revelation that the affected students were enrolled illegally.
Royal Nursing College, located in Tafo Nhyiaeso, Kumasi, had its accreditation officially revoked on February 19, 2026, after it was found to be in violation of regulatory standards. Following the revocation, both GTEC and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana withdrew the college’s license to operate. The University of Cape Coast (UCC), which had previously affiliated with the college, also terminated its partnership.
The situation came into sharp focus during discussions between GTEC and UCC officials, where it was discovered that the college had continued to admit students after its accreditation had lapsed. UCC confirmed it holds no academic records for the Level 100 and 200 students, as their admissions were processed outside the legal framework.
Consequently, GTEC has mandated that the college provide a full refund of all fees to students in these cohorts. The Commission stated this measure is to ensure families are not financially burdened due to the institution’s failure to maintain its legal standing.
For Level 300 students, who were enrolled while the college was still accredited, GTEC has outlined a different path forward. The Commission stated that UCC will conduct a comprehensive audit of these students to verify their eligibility. Those who meet the required criteria will be absorbed directly into UCC’s programmes, allowing them to continue their studies legitimately.
The situation has escalated beyond administrative action. Authorities have confirmed that some members of the college’s management have been arrested for defying prior regulatory directives. They are currently being processed for prosecution, signaling a tough stance by regulators against operators who flout educational laws.
In a statement, GTEC emphasized that this enforcement action is part of an ongoing commitment to maintaining quality and integrity in Ghana’s tertiary education sector. The Commission has issued a strong warning to the public, urging prospective students and their families to always verify the accreditation status of any institution and its programmes before enrolling.
“This can prevent students from losing time, money, and academic progress due to enrolment in unaccredited schools,” GTEC noted.
The directive serves as a critical reminder of the importance of regulatory compliance in education, placing student protection at the forefront of the Commission’s enforcement agenda.
