University of Ghana advises students below 1.00 CGPA to withdraw and reapply

The University of Ghana has advised students with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) below 1.00 who have been directed to withdraw to seek academic counselling and consider reapplying the following academic year.

Lydia Anowa Nyako-Danquah, the university’s director of Academic Affairs, gave the advice in an interview with campus radio station Radio Univers on Oct 26, following a directive issued by the Academic Affairs Directorate on Oct 23.

Nyako-Danquah said students who believe outstanding examination results could raise their CGPA to 1.00 or above may remain at the university while awaiting those results. She also cautioned that students who complete their four-year programme without meeting the minimum requirements cannot graduate with a degree from the institution.

Students urged to review their academic standing

The director advised affected students to consult course advisers, college officers and the university’s Careers and Counselling Directorate before deciding whether to continue their studies or withdraw and apply again.

She said the university wanted students to make informed decisions about their academic progress and avoid continuing to invest time and money in programmes they might not be able to complete successfully.

Nyako-Danquah added that minimum CGPA requirements vary across some departments and urged students to confirm the applicable threshold with their respective departments. She also said some departments could initiate withdrawal through the Academic Affairs Directorate, leaving affected students with no choice but to withdraw.

CGPA threshold is an existing rule

The university’s Regulations for Junior Members, 2017, state that students must achieve a CGPA of at least 1.00 to qualify for progression, in addition to meeting school or departmental requirements. The regulations say students who fail to meet these conditions should be asked by the Registrar to withdraw.

The rule is therefore not a newly introduced policy. Radio Univers reported a similar withdrawal directive in October 2023, when continuing students in Levels 200 and 300 with a CGPA below 1.00 were told to check their academic records and could receive official withdrawal letters.

The latest directive renews attention on the rule and the options available to students who fall below the threshold.

Questions about outstanding grades remain

The latest Radio Univers report notes that students who believe pending results could improve their CGPA may stay at the university while awaiting them. However, it does not establish how many students have outstanding grades, whether any CGPA calculations were incorrect or what formal appeal outcomes may be available.

The university has not provided a public tally of students affected by the October 23 directive in the report. Students concerned about missing grades or their academic standing should seek clarification from their departments and the Academic Affairs Directorate before making decisions about withdrawal or reapplication.