Accra: The Global Academy of Finance and Management (GAFM-USA) has firmly contested its inclusion on the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission's (GTEC) recent list of 100 unrecognised universities and institutions. GTEC issued this list in a public notice on August 28, 2026, citing concerns over quality assurance and urged the public to exercise caution regarding the institutions and the certificates they issue.
According to Ghana Web, GAFM rejected the classification, asserting that it is not a university and has never functioned as one. The organization emphasized that it does not confer academic degrees but rather provides professional certifications to professionals worldwide. In a press release dated August 31, 2026, GAFM declared, "GAFM is not a university, has never operated as a university, and does not award academic degrees. GAFM is a globally renowned professional body."
GAFM contended that its programs are professional certifications based on industry standards and should not be equated with academic programs offered by universities and other tertiary institutions. The organization accused GTEC of demonstrating "institutional incompetence and recklessness" by failing to differentiate between a professional certification body and an academic university.
Furthermore, GAFM argued that GTEC's legal mandate is centered around accrediting tertiary institutions and academic programs, noting that its professional certification programs do not fall under the Commission's current regulatory framework. "The professional certification programmes awarded by GAFM are entirely industry professional certification. Therefore, they do not fall within the Commission's regulatory jurisdiction," it stated.
With over 30 years of operation and certifications issued to professionals in more than 150 countries, GAFM highlighted its international recognitions and affiliations as part of its credentials. The organization demanded an immediate retraction of the publication and a public apology from GTEC and warned of potential legal action. "Our legal team has been fully briefed and instructed to initiate swift legal proceedings against GTEC for defamation, corporate injury, and administrative negligence if a formal retraction and apology are not issued within fourteen (14) working days," GAFM said.
GAFM expressed its willingness to accept lawful regulation and oversight should GTEC establish a formal framework for regulating professional certification bodies. The organization also encouraged its members, fellows, and certificate holders in Ghana to remain calm as it seeks legal and diplomatic solutions to the issue.