Appoint University Governing Council Members Based on Merit Not Partisanship- Asantehene to Govt
The King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged the government to prioritise merit over partisanship in the appointment of the various Governing Councils of universities.
At a meeting with the Education Minister, Hon Haruna Iddrisu, on March 14, 2025, His Majesty drew attention to the implications in politicising the appointments on the smooth running of educational affairs.
He therefore urged the government to as much as possible give the needed room for tertiary institutions to run their affairs.
The Asantehene was particular about the appointment of Governing Council members in his remarks when the Minster called on him on Friday at his official residence.
“Political interference in Council appointment is bad. When appointing, prioritise professionalism and competence. All those appointed to the Governing Council must be versed in the venture. It should be based on merit and they must have the commitment to work.”
National Education Forum
Otumfuo further commended the government for the mobilising experts’ view on improving the educational sector.
Otumfuo indicated that a policy plan can be birthed out of it to guide the country’s management of the various levels of education.
“My major concern is the future of our education… Let’s have a policy paper that will guide successive governments for a stable educational system.”
Infrastructure
He also urged the government to make provision for requisite infrastructure to enhance teaching and learning in all parts of the country.
“STEM must be taken to even the remotest areas. I know funding is a huge challenged but the wasteful expenditure can be cut to fund some of these important educational projects. We must provide the needed infrastructure for quality education.”
Free SHS
The King while touching on the Free Senior High School policy intimated that it would be better to offer quality limited free second cycle education to Ghanaians.
“If the students will go to school under the Free SHS policy and would not be fed due to food shortage; face accomodation challenges; and vacate after few days in school, then it would be better to cancel the policy. Or it can be reviewed for those who can afford to pay for it.”
He alluded to some facilities like bursary that used to be available for selected students in secondary school as a perfect initiative if the Free SHS policy was to be reviewed.
Confidence
Otumfuo in his address expressed his confidence in the minister to deliver on the mandate.
However His Majesty painted the reality of the mandate to him.
“The development of Ghana has been entrusted in your care. Education is very critical to any country’s development. It hold the future of the country. Everyone needs to undergo education in order perform including the doctor and farmer. You have an enormous task on your hand.”
“From his track record, I am confident he will deliver.”
Courtesy visit
The Minister was at the Manhyia Palace to formally introduce himself to the King and seek his blessings for the task ahead.
He was led by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon Frank Amoakohene, and other officials his Ministry.
Commitment
In his submission, he made commitments to deliver his best to the betterment of the educational system.
“We will take care of the educational sector very well. We recognise that it is our future. We can’t afford to disappoint you, President Mahama, Ghanaians.”
First, he committed to improve the Free SHS policy, ensure continuity of projects started by the previous administration and improve tertiary education.
“The government will not interfere with the affairs of Universities. They will be given the freewill to work.”
Additionally, he said the government was working at expanding infrastructure of Universities to meet the growing number of graduates that churn from the second cycle institutions due to the Free SHS.
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
