UCC: UTAG responds to the termination of Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong’s renewal of appointment as Vice-Chancellor of UCC
University of Cape Coast (UCC)
The leadership of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), University of Cape Coast Branch (UTAG-UCC) has responded to the recent developments concerning the letter from the Chairman of the University of Cape Coast Council, dated 31st July 2024, which unilaterally seeks to terminate the renewed term of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong.
According to the release dated August 1, 2024, signed by Dr. Jerry Opoku-Ansah (President) and Prof. Isaac Buabeng (Secretary), it was explained that the decision to renew Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong’s term “was made following all required procedures and in compliance with the University’s Statutes.”
RELATED ARTICLE: Appointment of Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong as UCC Vice-Chancellor not terminated -UCC
In addition, UTAG made it clear that the he letter from the Council Chair dated 31st July 2024, stating the termination of the Vice-Chancellor’s renewed term, is improper and without merit.
Read the full release below
RESPONSE TO THE CHAIRMAN’S LETTER ON THE TERMINATION OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR’S RENEWAL TERM
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), University of Cape Coast Branch (UTAG-UCC) wishes to address the recent developments concerning the letter from the Chairman of the University of Cape Coast Council, dated 31st July 2024, which unilaterally seeks to terminate the renewed term of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong.
1. Council’s Decision on Renewal: The University Council, duly constituted, met on 28th July 2023 and renewed the term of Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong for a period of two years, effective from 1st August 2024, extending his term to end on 31st July 2026. This decision was made following all required procedures and in compliance with the University’s Statutes.
2. Legality of the Chairman’s Letter: The letter from the Council Chair dated 31st July 2024, stating the termination of the Vice-Chancellor’s renewed term, is improper and without merit. The claims that the renewal breaches the University’s Statutes and the Constitution are unfounded. The renewal was conducted with full consideration of all legal and statutory requirements. On this basis, the action of the Council Chair is arbitrary, capricious, and devoid of any legal justification. We reject it outrightly.
3. Ongoing Court Proceedings: It is important to note that this matter is currently sub judice, with an injunction application pending in court that restrains the Chairman and the Council, their agents, and assigns from taking any action. Therefore, the Council Chair’s decision to revoke the extension of Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong’s appointment is contemptuous of the High Court, which is currently hearing the injunction application. On this basis, we again reject the council chair’s unilateral decision and declare it to have no effect.
4. Call for Withdrawal of the Chairman’s Letter: We call on the Chairman of the University Council to promptly withdraw the letter in question to prevent further confusion and disruption within the university. The unilateral actions of the Chairman are creating unnecessary turmoil and threaten the peace and stability of our academic environment.
5. Appeal to the Government: We appeal to the government to immediately withdraw the appointment of the Chairman who has demonstrated bad faith and a propensity for unilateral decision-making, which is detrimental to the proper governance of the university. This intervention is crucial to prevent the university from descending into chaos
6. Call for Calm and Unity: UTAG urges all members of the university community to remain calm and united during this period. We assure you that we are closely monitoring the situation and will take all necessary actions to protect the integrity of our institution and the rights of its members.
7. Moving Forward: We call on the University Council to adhere strictly to the legal and statutory frameworks governing the university. Any actions contrary to these frameworks will be met with the necessary resistance to uphold the principles of justice and fairness.
In conclusion, the Council Chair’s purported termination of Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong’s renewed term as Vice-Chancellor is not recognized by UTAG, and we stand firm in ensuring that the duly constituted decision of the University Council is respected.
SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh
