The University of Ghana branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG-UG) says the brouhaha surrounding the Public University Bill will not determine the voting pattern of UTAG-UG.
This comes statement after UTAG-UG said the impending Public University Bill poses great danger to University education in the country.
According to UG-UTAG, the Bill will damage 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.
Addressing the media at a 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.
“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.
Reacting to issues surrounding the press conference on Atinka FM’s AM Drive with host Ekourba Gyasi, UG-UTAG President, Dr. Samuel Nkumbaan, explained that the Public University Bill is not political and that UTAG-UG’s stance is not based on a promise by any opposition to scrap the bill when it comes to power.
“This Bill is a national policy and not political. Our agitation is because the bill poses great danger to University education in the country. Why will be waiting for an alternative party’s promise. What if that party comes to power in 20 years and the deal is already in force? The tertiary education would have gone bad by then”, he said.
He argued that UTAG has over 4000 members and that there was no way the association could force its members to vote for a particular party.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Vivian Adu Boatemaa
