Professor Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, Vice Chancellor of the University of Media, Arts, and Communication (UniMAC), has received a sharp response from the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) in response to his recent remarks regarding Book and Research Allowances (BRA).
The Vice Chancellor’s allegedly contemptuous and ignorant statements during a public lecture hosted by the S.D. Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies have left the association deeply disappointed.
Professor Kwansah-Aidoo expressed a poor comprehension of the relevance of the book and research allowances (BRA) in a video report by the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC).
These remarks, in the opinion of UTAG, are representative of a long-standing culture in which academics aspire to positions of leadership only to ignore the very support networks that helped them do so.
“His condescending and distasteful statement reflects a lack of appreciation for the critical role the BRA plays,” said Dr. Abena Mensah, UTAG President.
“The BRA is not merely about scholarly publications; it underpins our members’ professional development and contributes to the broader educational landscape.”
The BRA guarantees the expansion of university communities, supports academic endeavors, and is a crucial element in promoting research excellence. Research findings have a significant impact on society and improve educational strategies in lecture halls, even outside of academic publications.
“We acknowledge the need for periodic policy reviews,” Dr. Mensah emphasized. “However, we vehemently oppose reviews rooted in ignorance. Our universities deserve well-informed decisions that align with their core mission.”
UTAG has demanded that Professor Kwansah-Aidoo issue a public apology and has encouraged all relevant parties to acknowledge the vital role the BRA plays in improving Ghana’s academic scene.
