The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has backed the protest by students of the University of Education, Winneba.
Students of the school on Tuesday demonstrated against the sacking of some senior lecturers of the university including local UTAG president, Dr. Frimpong Kakyire Duku.
UTAG described the basis for the sacking of the lecturers as “unfounded”.
A senior lecturer, Dr. Emmanuel Osei Sarpong also had his appointment terminated by the school’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Afful Broni, for varied reasons.
For instance, according to the Disciplinary Board findings in the letter terminating Dr. Sarpong appointment, admitted walking out of a meeting with the chairman of the UEW governing council which “the Board considered as insubordination and thus misconduct.”
The National President of UTAG, Dr. Eric Opoku Mensah in a Citi News interview insisted that “there is an attempt make sure Dr. Kakyire Duku doesn’t hold himself as a UTAG executive, because they know what they can do with his office.”
“We as a national body do not recognise that decision that has been taken by the leadership of this university and therefore, UTAG together with other stakeholders are going to do whatever is necessary to make sure that justice prevails in this university,” he added.
Some students took to the streets on Tuesday demanding the sackings be reversed.
Some of the students threatened to boycott lectures whilst others vowed to continue their protests until the sacked lecturers are reinstated.
Some of the protesting students said Dr. Sarpong was let go because he was a key member of the former VC, Professor Mawutor Avoke’s team
Dr. Mensah said UTAG was “happy about the decision the students have taken and we support them because they have to save this university from further deterioration.”
Call from Minister
Minister of State in charge of Tertiary Education, Professor Kwesi Yankah charged the Governing Council of UEW to restore calm following the protests.
“…The issue that emerged between us in the interaction was for the Council to take whatever steps that are necessary to ensure that peace and harmony returns to campus within the shortest possible term to ensure that normal academic work resumes and that the students go back to school and the lecturers continue teaching if they have boycotted classes.”
Professor Yankah also urged the protesting students to return to class saying “we realised that you have spent the two days protesting, which also means there has been no learning. I am urging you to go back to school.”
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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa | citinewsroom.com | Ghana
Follow @delalibessa
