The National Youth Authority (NYA) has said the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) management is to blame for the tensions that culminated in student protests turning violent on Monday.
The Authority has taken a firm stance against the KNUST management saying its handling of tensions with students hearkened back to Ghana’s time under a military junta.
[contextly_sidebar id=”iZZQ9kKZeQqtesShyYMhvPO7IUJEbvVC”]”In recent times KNUST under the leadership of the current Vice Chancellor has been in the news for various negative reasons…we find the crude means adopted by leadership of the University in resolving student agitations such as the use of sheer force and acts of brutality reminiscent of the era of military rule.”
“This is criminal in nature and an affront to Ghana’s democracy. We are not in a banana republic to allow the university security to take the law into their own hands and treat students as if they are second-class animals,” an NYA statement said.
The Students’ Representative Council (SRC) organised the protest over claims the KNUST authorities were abusing their authority and also complained about instances of brutality by campus security personnel.
But the protests turned violent when some students stormed some school properties and vandalised buildings, staff cars and even a security office.
While the Youth Authority condemned the acts of brutality being visited on students by the university security, it urged the students to be measured in their protests.
The NYA also urged the police to take charge of the matter.
“…the Authority has also taken note of some criminal activities emanating from some purported students and call on the Police to deal with these suspects in accordance with the laws of our country.”
Over 20 students have been arrested following the incident as the Ashanti Regional Security Council ordered the closure of the school.
All students are to vacate the school premises by midday on Tuesday, October 23, 2018.
What triggered the latest protests?
The arrest of 10 students and one alumnus of the school compelled the SRC to mobilise for the protest.
The students were arrested for a holding vigil on campus last Friday without permission, according to the school authorities.
One other student who was allegedly manhandled by the internal security was hospitalised admission at the KNUST hospital.
The Executive Council of the SRC said the demonstration was necessary to convey student frustration.
The arrests came after the KNUST management served notice that it had suspended the organisation of vigils (morales) in the school.
The management said this was because of “several negative issues encountered recently with respect to morales in the hall.”
Some of the protestors called for the removal of the Vice-Chancellor.
The SRC said the actions of the campus security and the police officers were a “gross deviation” because the two agencies were rather to protect them.
The council also promised students that it would ensure the security officers who allegedly manhandled students were held accountable whilst urging them to hence students should remain calm.
Find below the full NYA statement
PRESS RELEASE BY THE NATIONAL YOUTH AUTHORITY ON INHUMANE ATTACKS ON STUDENTS OF KNUST BY THE UNIVERSITY SECURITY
The National Youth Authority has taken notice of the gradual lawlessness that is setting in at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and condemns unequivocally, the wanton acts of brutality meted out to protesting students. The bloody scenes unfolded as a result of this inhumane treatment of the students have been disseminated across the globe.
To say the least, the tacit endorsement of these shocking and barbaric acts by authorities of the university is very disgraceful, shameful and an affront to Ghana’s constitutional order and further leaves an indelible scar on Ghana’s democratic dispensation. However, the Authority has also taken note of some criminal activities emanating from some purported students and call on the Police to deal with these suspects in accordance with the laws of our country.
In recent times KNUST under the leadership of the current Vice Chancellor has been in the news for various negative reasons. As the government agency responsible for youth development in this country we find the crude means adopted by leadership of the University in resolving student agitations such as the use of sheer force and acts of brutality reminiscent of the era of military rule. This is criminal in nature and an affront to Ghana’s democracy. We are not in a banana republic to allow the university security to take the law into their own hands and treat students as if they are second class animals.
The National Youth Authority calls on all peace loving Ghanaians including state security agencies to hold the university administration headed by Vice Chancellor Professor Kwasi Obiri-Danso, under whose watch this is happening, accountable, and demand that he acts responsibly and take the necessary actions in a timely manner, to avert any further brutalities and confusion that will only mar the peace on the KNUST campus.
While the Youth Authority condemns the acts of brutality being visited on students by the university security, we call on the students to exercise restraint in their reactions to the barbaric attacks. As intellectuals they must at every point in time adopt peaceful means in defending their constitutional rights and freedoms!
…SIGNED….
Emmanuel Sin-nyet Asigri
Chief Executive Officer
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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citinewsroom.com/Ghana