UTAG gives government ultimatum to constitute university councils

Europa

July 13, 2017 12:58 PM

UTAG has said it will protest if the government fails to constitute the various Councils in two weeks.

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the government to constitute Councils of the various universities in the country or face their wrath.

The National President of UTAG, Harry Agbanu, said the absence of the Councils is affecting the smooth administration of the universities and has threatened upcoming graduation among others.

“UTAG has noted with extreme dismay that government since taking office on 7 July 2017, has not been able to constitute the Councils of public universities in Ghana. The government’s inability to do this, while having constituted other important boards of the state after six good months of office, we believe demonstrates government’s lack of concern of the health of public universities.

"NEC of UTAG feels strongly it is unacceptable and even unethical for public universities management and administration, and the sooner government constitutes these Councils the better.”

Mr. Agbanu also asked the government to immediately release UTAG’s book and research allowance.

“On the second point of book and research allowance, we wish to acknowledge government’s commitment to pay, however UTAG is extremely unhappy with the undue delay in the processes leading to the payment of the allowances, having in mind that the honourable Minister announced that monies have been released as far back as February,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Winneba High Court has refused an application by UTAG to join a suit involving the University of Education Winneba and a former Donkoryiem assemblyman, Supi Kwayera.

The University’s branch of UTAG had asked the court to allow them to join the suit because they believe they had an interest in the case.

The University of Education, Winneba is in a legal battle with Supi Kwayera over claims that the tenure of the University’s governing council has expired.

The substantive case would be heard on the 14th July 2017.

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