The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has declared its stand against the Public Universities Bill in its current form.
The association in a press release demanded the immediate withdrawal of the bill from Parliament.
It was noted that the worrisome disregard for the worries of the university community and for consultation by the association showed a lack of respect for the values of academic freedom and shared governance.
“As stakeholders committed to advancing higher education in Ghana, we urge the government to reconsider its approach and engage in meaningful dialogue with UTAG and other relevant stakeholders, including the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG),” the statement said.
The association underscored the need for cooperative efforts among stakeholders in educational development .
“The future of our public universities and the quality of higher education in Ghana depend on collaborative efforts that. respect the voices and expertise of all stakeholders,” the statement added.
However, the association assured pushing for laws that support the principles of institutional autonomy, academic freedom, and high-quality education for all.
The Public University bill, which was formerly introduced in April 2019 and tabled in parliament in 2020 by the then Minister of Education, Matthew Opoku Prempeh, was meant “to provide the procedure for the establishment of public universities, set out principles for the management of public universities, determine the legal status of public universities, the procedure for financing public universities and administration, and supervision of the activities of public universities and related matters”.
The bill, when passed, is expected to give government power to appoint the majority of members of the university council.The council then has the power to appoint and fire public university officials. The bill also gives the President the power to dissolve a university council, which will now have the power to appoint a chancellor. It also gives effect to the university council to control the finances of the university and determine the allocation of funds.
Read full statement below
