UCC Leadership Saga: Vice Chancellor Seeks Asantehene’s Intervention
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Prof Johnson Nyarko Boampong has pleaded with Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to intervene in the institution’s recent leadership crisis with his dexterity in conflict resolution.
The plea comes after the Chairman of the institution’s Governing Council, Prof Harold Steward Amonoo-Kuofi unilaterally and unsuccessfully authored the revocation of the VC’s appointment extension.
Delivering an address during a convocation to honour the King with an Honorary Doctorate Degree on September 5, 2024, Prof Nyarko Boampong highlighted his dedication to conflict resolution as exemplary.
“It is in this spirit, that we in the University of Cape Coast draw inspiration from your wisdom, particularly at a time when the University faces challenges that echo a turbulent past,” he quickly added.
According to him, the torrid season the institution went through in the late 1980s and early 1990s, which infamously earned it the title the “University of Constant Confusion” is threatening to replicate itself.
After overcoming that unpleasant past and soaring on the wings of success afterwards, he fears that the recent happenings may sponsor a recurrence and derail their achievements.
“Today, however, we face new challenges. One that threatens to unravel the progress that we have made. Recent attempts to undermine the leadership of the Vice Chancellor are reminiscent of the uncertainties that once plagued our university. Such action driven by external pressure risks plunging us back into an era of confusion and instability. We face challenges today, particularly within our beloved University of cape coast. We are reminded of the need for unity and wise leadership. The turbulence that once characterized our University’s past threatens to re-emerge.”
That notwithstanding, he believes that the intervention of Otumfuo will forestall and allay his fears.
“It is through the guidance of leaders like Otumfuo Osei Tutu that we can navigate difficult times…Your Majesty, we invite you to join forces with our respected Chancellor Sir Sam Jonah and Osabarima Kwesi Atta, the Paramount Chief of Oguaa Traditional Area, in leading efforts to maintain peace and stability at the UCC.”
Background
The Council Chair of the University, Prof. Harold Amonoo-Kuofi in a letter addressed to the VC informed him about the cancellation of his appointment extension which was granted on July 28, 2023, for a term of two (2) years effective August 1, 2024.
He stated that the appointment was void and thereby the revocation.
However, in another statement dated August 2, 2024, the Director of Public Affairs Relations at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Major Kofi Baah-Bentum (Rtd) announced that the VC was still at post and entreated the public to disregard the news.
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) few days later issued a directive ordering the retention of Prof. Nyarko Boampong as the VC.
The letter addressed to the acting Registrar of the UCC by the Director-General of GTEC, Professor Ahmed Abdulai Jinapor said this will remain until his outfit examines concerns raised about it.
