The University of Ghana branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG-UG) says the impending Public University Bill poses great danger to University education in the country.
UG-UTAG argues that the bill has the tendency of irreparably damaging the country’s global standing as a pillar of democratic governance in Ghana.
Per the draft bill, a University Council shall consist of nine persons, including a chairperson who will be nominated by the President.
The draft Bill when passed will see to the renaming of The University of Professional Studies, Accra after its founder, Nana Opoku Ampomah.
University of Health and Allied Sciences will be named after a former member of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) and Convention People’s Party (CPP).
Addressing the media at press conference Wednesday 16th September 2020, UG-UTAG President, Dr. Samuel Nkumbaan, noted that the Public University Bill which seeks to harmonize Public universities under one law, has disturbing implications for the future of higher education in Ghana.
He noted that the implementation of the Public University bill violates the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana as the new law will erode the protections that the constitution grants the universities in order that they can effectively carry out their mandate of teaching , learning and research.
“To conclude, the Bill is unconstitutional, unnecessary, and deeply harmful to the integrity of the Public Universities. It posses a threat to the ability of students, lecturers and administration to carry out their day to day learning, teaching and research functions without fear of government dictates or reprisals”, he added.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Vivian Adu Boatemaa
