MP supports calls for the resignation of UEW Vice-Chancellor

General News of Monday, March 18, 2019

Source: Myjoyonline.com

2019-03-18

A member of Parliament's Education Committee supported calls for the resignation of the vice-chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, Rev. Anthony Afful-Broni.

This follows the clashes with the lecturers and students that led to violent protests and the subsequent closure of the university.

Dr. Clement Apaak said that he did not see how Reverend Prof Afful-Broni could be allowed to stay in office.

He told Roland Walker Monday, at the AM Show show on the Joy News channel, that "the vice chancellor must do the honorable" and step down.

"… it's one of the best ways to solve this impbade," said the MP for Builsa South.

The legislator argued that the university can not work without students and lecturers, but can certainly go without a resume.

Dr. Apaak said that the interest of the V.C. can not replace those of the main actors of the university.

"What will happen if the Association of University Teachers of Ghana (UTAG) decides to go on strike … can the PC and other members of the management teach all students"? He asked.

What is the cause of degeneration?

Reverend Prof. Afful-Broni was accused of dismissing from the university any person who opposed – subtly or openly – his accession to power a few months ago.

His predecessor, Professor Mawutor Avoke, was removed from office through a series of lawsuits and charges of contracting offenses.

Since its ascent to now, 30 staff members have been fired; including three top ranked members.

Students, angered by the authorities' actions, staged a weeklong protest that escalated into violence and destruction of property belonging to the school.

The Regional Security Council shut down the university on Thursday for security reasons, ordering all students to leave by 6 pm the same day.

What is UTAG's answer?

Dr. Opoku Mensah, president of UTAG, said that the only news likely to interest the members of the badociation is the reinstatement of all their members dismissed or whose membership was reduced.

He added that the UTAG was awaiting the results of a meeting of the STE leadership to decide the course of action to follow.

He said that they [UTAG] hope for a positive result.

He also rejected claims that the top three lecturers who were also fired have been reinstated. saying that no official letter has been received for this purpose.