At the Accra Technical University (ATU), there is a great deal of resentment and mounting strain over Professor Samuel Nii Odai’s reappointment as vice chancellor.
The Technical Universities Act is the main source of contention in the debate surrounding Prof. Odai’s reappointment.
Staff members and other interested parties have contended that Professor Odai must give up any assets he owns and retire at the mandatory retirement age of 60.
The ATU community has expressed concerns about the reappointment process through an inter-union that represents five groups. They have demanded that the committee be dissolved and that a new Council Chairman be appointed.
Silent protests on campus have been a manifestation of the staff’s unhappiness, and many have been seen wearing red bands to show support.
The unhappiness is reflected in a banner that is up on campus, warning of “Imminent Mass Industrial Action” if their demands are not fulfilled.
The banner lists the main complaints, which include that the former VC should follow the Technical Universities Act and relinquish any assets that he has possession of from ATU.
It also demands the appointment of a new Council Chairman and an end to the institution’s financial problems.
But Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the minister of education, has stepped in and asked for calm while offering guarantees that the situation will be resolved.
ATU stakeholders are waiting for more developments, therefore the situation there is still tense.
Adom News keeps an eye on the developments as employees threaten to take part in widespread strike action if the Education Ministry does not address their complaints.
