The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission has issued a public warning over certificates, diplomas and degrees awarded by more than 80 local and foreign institutions that lack official recognition in Ghana.

In a statement released on Wednesday, June 25, the Commission urged students, employers, professional bodies and the general public to exercise caution when dealing with qualifications from the affected institutions.

According to GTEC, the institutions listed have failed to satisfy the Commission's quality assurance requirements, raising concerns about the credibility and acceptability of their qualifications for employment, promotions, professional licensing and further education.

"The decision to classify the listed institutions as unrecognised stems from quality assurance concerns, including issues relating to accreditation, governance structures, academic standards, programme delivery and regulatory compliance," the Commission stated.

Most of the institutions cited are based outside Ghana, particularly in the United States, Switzerland, India, Mexico, Italy and Nigeria. Among the institutions named are Atlantic International University, Monarch Business School, Swiss Management Centre University, Texila American University and Selinus University of Sciences and Literature.

The list also includes several theological and religious institutions, including Louisiana Baptist University and Seminary, Christian Leadership University and Freedom University and Theological Seminary.

GTEC advised prospective students to verify the accreditation status of institutions before enrolling in academic programmes and urged employers to scrutinise qualifications presented by applicants and employees.

The Commission said the move forms part of its ongoing efforts to protect the integrity of tertiary education in Ghana and shield students, employers and the public from substandard or potentially fraudulent qualifications.