Otumfuo kicks against KNUST council dissolution - Sources

Graphic Online has gathered that the Chancellor of Kwame Nkrumah University Science and Technology (KNUST), Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was not in favour of the dissolution of the Governing Council of the university.

A source has told Graphic Online that the Asantehene made this known at a high delegation meeting at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Monday.

The Asantehene according to the Graphic Online source, strongly indicated that the government has no business in the university and therefore cannot also remove or ask the Vice Chancellor to step aside since government did not put him there.

However, if government wants to change its representative on the Governing Council, it can do so, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is said to have indicated at the meeting.

There's a high delegation meeting ongoing at Manhyia Palace over the leadership of KNUST. In attendance to the meeting is Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu.

— Manhyia Palace (@ManhyiaPalace) October 29, 2018

The Minister of State in charge of Tertiary Education, Prof Kwesi Yankah represented government at the high powered meeting at the Manhyia Palace.

Read also: KNUST Governing Council to be reconstituted

Meanwhile the Governing Council of the KNUST is to be reconstituted on Friday November 2, 2018, the Minister-designate for Information, Mr Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has said.

At a press briefing in Accra on Monday, Mr Oppong Nkrumah said government on Monday October 29, 2018, requested the Chancellor of the University, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene to lead the next steps in reconstituting the University Council in accordance with the University’s statute and relevant laws.

"Council is expected to be reconstituted by Friday November 2, 2018. The reconstituted Council will then take over from the Interim Governing Council," Mr Oppong Nkrumah said.

Mr Oppong Nkrumah explained that in accordance with the earlier directive by President Akufo-Addo, the University is expected to re-open by November 8, 2018 for normal academic work to resume.

He said government has subsequently engaged with the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) and updated the association accordingly.

"UTAG has undertaken to restore services, corporate in resolution efforts and encourage other stakeholders to join resolution efforts," he added

On Monday October 22, 2018, violence and extensive destruction of property was reported on the campus of KNUST following a demonstration by students of the University.

Government in light of the dire security situation intervened by closing down the University, dissolving the University Council and in its place, setting up an Interim Governing Council.

The National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) on Thursday October 25, 2018 also directed the KNUST Vice Chancellor, Prof Kwasi Obiri-Danso to handover temporarily to the Pro Vice Chancellor as part of the emergency and interim measures.

These measures were immediately necessary to restore order while preparing for a reopening of the University, Mr Oppong Nkrumah explained.

The Council was dissolved because Government holds it ultimately responsible for the failure of adequately manage internal matters of the University leading to a breakdown of law and order. The interim measures were necessary to protect lives and property.

Writer's email: enoch.frimpong@graphic.com.gh 

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