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Discussants at the Round table discussion

Disband Vigilantism in the Country

18 Apr, 2019 By louis Mensah

Discussants at a roundtable discussion organized by the Faculty of Arts have unanimously called for the disbandment vigilantism in the country.

They were speaking on the theme: “Towards Attaining Credible and Transparent Elections: the Role of Vigilantes in Ghana”.

Make the Report of the Emile Short Commission Public

Setting the ball rolling, a former Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Mr. Sylvester Mensah stated that his party, the National Democratic Congress fully supports the call to ban activities of vigilante groups in the country. In the light of this, Mr. Mensah described the call by the president for the two major political parties, that is the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to find solutions to the menace “as a right one” and also lauded the setting up of the Emile Short Commission to go into the Ayawaso West Wuogon violence, but regretted that the report of the commission submitted to the president has not been made public.

Again, the former MP for Dadekotopon was unhappy that the president could not wait for the two parties to conclude the assignment he gave them before sending the bill on vigilantism to parliament. “It is not right at all, the president should have allowed the two parties to finish, before thinking of sending the bill to parliament. This completely undermines the effort to disband these groups”.

Politicians Should Allow the Police and Judiciary to Enforce the Law

Mr. Mensah who was speaking on the topic: “Vigilantism as a means of political checks and balances in Ghana- Prospects and challenges”, believed that the rise of the canker was as a result of helplessness of the Ghana Police Service to tackle those who engage in these unlawful acts. Another reason according to Mr. Mensah that vigilantism has festered was due to the inability of the judiciary to handle cases brought before it expeditiously.

The former legislator was of the view that the Civil Society and the International Community had a huge role to play in finding lasting solutions to the problem of vigilantism.

Most Conflicts in Africa Started with Vigilantes

When he took his turn, Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said: “there was no doubt that political vigilantism has to be tackled once and for all”.  His topic was: “Vigilantism in Ghana’s Political Culture- Political Awareness or Hooliganism”. Mr. Nkrumah noted that the antecedents of most conflicts in Africa started with such small groups and later grew into full-blown militia wings to visit mayhem on people.

Hooliganism Has Taken Vigilantism to a Different Level

“Vigilantism in itself is not bad, every citizen is encouraged to defend the constitution from being overthrown, so ordinarily, the law expects us to be vigilant”, the minister said. The MP for Ofoase Ayirebi constituency said, unfortunately, hooliganism has taken this to a different level adding “in societies where there are law and order you can’t see this happening”. According to him in those jurisdictions, the long arm of the law dealt with all who flouted the law, but in Ghana even where the law purports to work, because of mistrusts people do otherwise. “Even when the law is applied, there is political interference to stifle the enforcement of the law”, he noted.

Government Boldly Confronting the Vigilantism

In solving the menace, the minister indicated that this time around the matter was not being swept under the carpet, rather “we are boldly confronting the beast” by asking the two parties to meet and find a solution to it. But, this Mr. Nkrumah said was not enough hence the president’s decision to send the bill on the vigilantism to parliament and explained that even though there were some existing laws; where there is a lacuna you create laws to close them.

“That is why the US, for example, passed the Anti-terrorism act to deal with the spate of terror in their country”, he said.

“We as a government are not sweeping it under the carpet, we are coming out with laws and also resourcing the law enforcement agencies to give them the confidence to work”, he concluded. Making his contribution, Dr. Joseph Kingsley Adjei of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology said the problem confronting the nation now was a result of failed political leadership.

‘Vigilantes’ are Local Terrorists

Speaking on the topic “The Future of Political Vigilantism in Ghana’s Political Culture-The Way forward”, Dr. Adjei noted that it was a misnomer to describe those engaged in the unlawful acts as “vigilantes” because their activities do not depict vigilantism, he preferred to call them ‘local terrorists’. These groups Dr. Adjei averred that they thrived on political culture for survival since they were nourished by political parties to enable them to carry out their activities whenever the need arose.

In Ghana presently, the political party that wins the general election has the power to distribute political positions to its party members. This is done many at times regardless of expertise and competence. It is this practice that, according to Dr. Adjei has created the problem facing the country. “Ghana has developed a system of winner takes all, this is the crux of vigilantism. The problem is the monopolisation of power, where the president sees all competent people only in his party”, he noted.

Dr. Adjei intimated that the entire country has failed to recognise that it was sitting on a time bomb ready to detonate anytime soon since political parties misconstrue a change in government and give room to a coup-like situation in the change of government through the ballot box. Citing another case, he said, events in the 4th republic have shown that the security agencies switch allegiances to parties in power. “A change in government means a change in leadership of security agencies. Security agencies sing songs of political parties even if the songs are discordant”, he noted. This, he said made it difficult to keep law and order when political crimes were committed.

Dr. Adjei concluded that political militias would have a bright future if political promises were not fulfilled.  He added that what the president has done about vigilantism was good but if these laws were not enforced it would be rendered useless and, therefore, called for the police to be empowered to enforce them to serve as a deterrent to others.

 

 

Prof. Atta G. Britwum delivering the keynote address

Department of English Honours Ayi Kwei Armah

18 Apr, 2019 By louis Mensah

The Department of English has marked the Golden Jubilee celebration of Ayi Kwei Armah’s “The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born” with a one-day conference.                            

The conference which is the first of its kind to be organised by the Department of English aimed at recognising the master craftworks of Ghanaian writers and also showcase and demonstrate the significance of such writings and how they speak to modern day issues of the Ghanaian and African.

In his welcome address, the Head, Department of English, Dr. Kwabena Sarfo Sarfo-Kantanka, explained that one of the notable writer’s the conference would be celebrating was Ayi Kwei Armah whose writings according to him epitomises the socio-politico-economic crisis of the present time.

Dr. Sarfo indicated that the novel touched on several aspects of the life of the people of Ghana in particular and Africa in general during the pre-colonial, colonial and post-independence periods. “But in all these wonderful works of Armah, ‘The Beautyful Ones are Not Yet Born (1968)’, Armah’s first novel, embodies the present state of the socio-political and moral decay, such as corruption of the Ghanaian (and the African) society, which has brought the progress and development of the African independence into question,” he noted.

Dr. Sarfo-Kantanka said it was, therefore, prudent the Department chose to celebrate the 50 years of the existence of the “Beautyful Ones are Not Yet Born”.

“The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born” is a Reflection of the Realities of Today

The keynote speaker, Prof. Atta G. Britwum, in his presentation said the novel described the failure of a socialist government, which repeated the mistakes of the colonial regime it replaced. He made mention of the inherent corrupt practices which the novel revealed about the society and the increasing levels of intimidation, bribery and fraud that characterised economic relationship.

According to Prof. Britwum, Ayi Kwei Armah, in his book portrayed the ills of the African society with realities that were still prevalent in society today. He urged the current generation to consider themselves as the “Beautyful Ones” to solve the challenges in society. He indicated that Armah did not have the copyright to his book until recently.

Draw Lessons from Ayi Kwei Armah’s Novel

The former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, asked the audience to draw lessons from what the keynote speaker had said about the novel and the author.  Reiterating the point that Ayi Kwei Armah did not have the copyright to the book, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said it raised a lot of issues about collaborative research and ownership of the research or material.  

The former Vice-Chancellor indicated that it would take only Ghanaians to solve the current problems confronting the nation. “The beautiful ones would not be brought from outside, only us can redeem ourselves, the beautiful ones are each one of us,” she emphasised.                                                                                                                       

Profile of Ayi Kwei Armah

Ayi Kwei Armah was born to Fante Speaking parents in 1939 in Takoradi. He was educated in a number of local mission schools and at Achimota College before going to Groton School in the United States for his secondary education and subsequently to Harvard University for his bachelor’s degree. After working as a scriptwriter, translator and English teacher in a number of countries including Ghana, France and Senegal, Armah wrote his first novel, “The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born (1968)”. Ayi Kwei Armah is among the most prominent and admired writers of African Anglophone fiction. As a Ghanaian author, he has been committed to telling the history, transitions and prophetic future of his motherland and continent. In doing this, he invites his readers to ponder over the discourses of colonial, neocolonial and postcolonial civilisations in order to appreciate their interrelationships and effects in creating a unique African identity.

Overview of “The Beautyful Ones Are Yet to Be Born” 

The novel, “The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born” which details “the story of an upright man resisting the temptations of easy bribes and easy satisfaction and winning for his honesty nothing but scorn” is a canonical text in African literature.

Since its emergence on the African literary scene in 1968, “The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born has remained an influential text in critical discussions on the aesthetic and thematic distinctiveness of the African and postcolonial novel. Fifty years after its publication, Armah’s first novel continues to frame critical issues-the realities of his vision of the new nation, the seductiveness of totalitarian mentality, the gleam for material power and its variant manifestations, and the defilement of the African “WE” spirit.

The dignitaries with the motorbikes

Management Presents Eight Motorbikes to Security Section

18 Apr, 2019 By louis Mensah

The University Management has presented eight motorbikes to the Security Section to prevent encroachment on the University’s lands.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the Chairman of the Committee on Encroachment, Dr. Tanimu Osman, said the University Council was concerned about the rapid rate at which people were building on the University’s lands. He said Council approved the procurement of the motorbikes to protect the remaining land from further encroachment. He noted that the motorbikes would enhance the work of the Security Section to patrol the boundaries and deter people from putting up structures on the University land.

Dr. Osman who is a member of UCC Governing Council thanked the University Management for releasing the money to procure the motorbikes for this important exercise. He was hopeful that the Security Section would be equipped with other logistics such as vehicles to effectively protect lives and properties on campus.

Make Good Use of the Motorbikes

The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, urged the Security Section to make good use of the motorbikes in order to achieve the objective for which they were purchased. He advised security personnel who would carry out their duties with the motorbikes to observe safety measures adding that “We are concerned about your safety and health so wear your helmet when you ride the motorbikes” 

Prof. Edu-Buandoh assured that the University Management would continue to equip personnel of the Security Section to execute their duties successfully.

Prof. Sampson Nyarko-Sampson presenting the chairs to the headteacher of the School

CCDRR Donates Chairs to Archbishop Amissah Memorial Basic School

18 Apr, 2019 By louis Mensah

The Centre for Child Development Research and Referral (CCDRR) in partnership with the Faculty of Educational Foundations, has donated 20 plastic chairs to Archbishop Amissah Memorial Basic School at Duakor in Cape Coast.

Purpose of the Donation

Explaining the rationale behind the donation, the Coordinator of CCDRR, Dr. Lebbaeus Asamani, explained that the items were to support practicum sessions in the school. He noted that the donation was a way of showing appreciation to the school for hosting students from the Faculty of Educational Foundations for their Practicum.

Dr. Asamani further indicated that the presentation was a fulfilment of a promise they made to the school upon realising that the chairs for pupils were not enough. He thanked the headteacher, teachers and pupils for their warm reception and cooperation with CDRR and the Faculty of Educational Foundations. He urged the headteacher, teachers and pupils to take care of the chairs and put them to good use to help train and produce resourceful people for the country.

Presenting the chairs the Dean of the Faculty of Educational Foundations, Prof. Eric Nyarko Sampson, commended the headteacher and teachers for supporting students from the Faculty when they come for practicum sessions in the school. He urged the headteacher and teachers to recognise the donation as an appreciation to strengthen and deepen their friendship, adding that “CCDRR and Faculty of Educational Foundations will count on your cooperation.”

Appreciation to CCDRR and Faculty of Educational Foundations

The Headteacher, of the School, Mr. Justin Ekor, who received the donation expressed gratitude to CCDRR and the Faculty for responding to their plea their kind gesture towards the school through the donation and indicated that “We are very appreciative and we will continue to count on your support”.

The occasion was also graced by the former Coordinator, CCDRR, Dr. Irene Vanderpuye, the Faculty Officer, Mr. Kweku Arhin, the Faculty Accounts Officer, Mr. Iddrisu Abubakar as well as some staff of the Faculty of Educational Foundations and CCDRR.     

 

17 Apr, 2019

The University of Cape Coast invites applications from experienced, results-oriented and highly motivated individuals for the position of Director, Directorate of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance (DAPQA) which will become vacant from 31st July, 2019.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director shall be the Head of DAPQA responsible to the Vice Chancellor for coordinating the planning and monitoring of academic programmes in the University. He or she shall spearhead the university wide quality assurance system including all sections and the various mechanisms designed to maintain high performance standards.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Applicants must:

  1. be internationally acclaimed scholars of professorial status
  2. hold a PhD in a relevant discipline
  3. have considerable teaching, research and administrative experience in a university or analogous institution
  4. be well grounded in the principles of quality assurance and quality improvement
  5. ability to liaise with all Colleges/ Schools/ Directorates/Departments and Sections of the University to ensure quality teaching, learning and improvement in facilities across the University

Terms of Office

The Director of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance shall hold office for a period of four (4) years (full time) renewable for up to four years if that is not beyond the statutory retiring age.

(Applicants should be able to complete the first term of four (4) years before reaching the retirement age of sixty (60) years)

Conditions of Service

Salary and fringe benefits attached to the position are attractive and will be specified in the letter of appointment.

Mode of Application & Closing Date

  1. Interested applicants who meet the above criteria should please submit applications and a comprehensive curriculum vitae, together with relevant supporting documents and a Three - Page Vision Statement to:

The Registrar

University of Cape Coast

Cape Coast

  1. Applicants should request three (3) referees to submit report on them directly to the above address
  2. The closing date for the receipt of application is Monday, 31st May, 2019.

Application forms are obtainable from the Senior Members Section, Directorate of Human Resource, University of Cape Coast. The form (Senior Members Application Form - Non Teaching) could also be downloaded from https://www.ucc.edu.gh/forms

REGISTRAR

17 Apr, 2019

The University of Cape Coast invites applications from experienced, results-oriented and highly motivated individuals for the position of Director, Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC) which has become vacant.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director shall be the Academic and Administrative Head of DRIC responsible to the Vice Chancellor for managing all matters relating research, innovation and consultancy.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Applicants must be scholars of high repute and of professorial status. They must be individuals of stature and integrity with strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills, capable of executing the responsibilities outlined above. They must also possess a terminal degree (PhD) in a relevant discipline with over ten (10) years working experience in a reputable university or related academic institution.

All applicants must also show evidence of the following qualities:

  1. capacity to coordinate the university-wide research agenda
  2. proven ability to source and manage funding for research
  3.  capacity to develop and advise the Academic Board on criteria for the research component of assessment for promotion, motivating research effort of Faculties/Schools and sponsoring research and conferences
  4. ability to ensure quality research by writing research proposals that can sell and be executed to register the University’s presence in the Ghanaian economy and the international domain
  5. ability to coordinate and support publication of journals and books in the University
  6. ability to liaise with the Directorate of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance to advice management on procedures that promote research-based teaching

Terms of Office

The Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy shall hold office for a period of three (3) years. Upon completion of the first term in office, he or she shall be eligible for re-appointment subject to favourable recommendations from Appointments and Promotions Board upon reapplication for a second consecutive term only.

(Applicants should be able to complete the first term of three (3) years before reaching the retirement age of sixty (60) years)

Conditions of Service

Salary and fringe benefits attached to the position are attractive and will be specified in the letter of appointment.

Mode of Application & Closing Date

  1. Interested applicants who meet the above criteria should please submit applications and a comprehensive curriculum vitae, together with relevant supporting documents and a Three - Page Vision Statement to:

The Registrar

University of Cape Coast

Cape Coast

  1. Applicants should request three (3) referees to submit report on them directly to the above address
  2. The closing date for the receipt of application is Monday, 31st May, 2019.

Application forms are obtainable from the Senior Members Section, Directorate of Human Resource, University of Cape Coast. The form (Senior Members Application Form - Non Teaching) could also be downloaded from https://www.ucc.edu.gh/forms

REGISTRAR

16 Apr, 2019

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) in collaboration with the Institute of Charted Accountants, Ghana (ICAG), is looking for an experienced, results-oriented and motivated individual for the position of CHAIR OF ACCOUNTANCY.  The successful candidate is expected to provide professional, research advice and mentorship to promote UCC and ICAG.

Key Responsibilities

  1. Facilitate the development of programmes in Accountancy to the highest international standards.

  1. Develop innovative graduate and undergraduate programmes in Accountancy including doctoral programmes.

  1. Teach and supervise graduate students in Accountancy.

  1. Conduct research jointly approved by the ICAG and the UCC.

  1. Develop case studies in Accountancy in collaboration with industry and commerce, which is of relevance to business in Ghana.

  1. Disseminate research findings through high-quality publications in refereed journals and participation in local, international and ICAG conferences.

  1. Develop a strong Accountancy research group at UCC.

  1. Forge strong links between UCC and ICAG.

  1. Submit Annual Report on activities through the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast to ICAG.

  1. Deliver, at least, two Public Lectures in a year.

Qualification and Experience

Candidates must be internationally acclaimed scholars of Professorial status.  They must be individuals of stature and integrity with exemplary leadership, interpersonal and communications skills, zeal, energy and the capacity to carry the responsibilities outlined above.  They must also have a PhD in Accounting or related discipline. 

Candidate must also show evidence of the following qualities:

  1. Demonstrated capacity to manage a Chair.

  1. Ability to foster and promote good internal and external relations;

  1. Proven capacity to provide strong, visionary leadership and innovation;

  1. Devoted and able to commit full-time attention to the business of the Accountancy Chair.

Tenure of Office

The appointment, which is full-time, shall be for two (2) Academic Years in the first instance and may be renewed after evaluation of performance.

Conditions of Service

Salary and fringe benefits attached to the position are attractive and will be specified in the instrument of appointment.

  1. The salary of the occupant shall be paid by University of Cape Coast.
  2. Office accommodation shall be provided by UCC.
  3. ICAG shall provide a supplementary salary of US$1,000.00 a month over the period.
  4. ICAG shall provide a grant of US$18,000.00 for research per annum for the Chair (subject to possible adjustments on renewal).

Mode of Application

  1. Interested persons who meet the condition above should submit copies of their application and comprehensive Curriculum Vitae to:

The Director

Directorate of Human Resource

University of Cape Coast

Cape Coast

  1. Candidates should request three (3) referees to submit reports on them directly to the above address.

  1. The closing date for submission of application is Friday, 31st May, 2019.                                                                                                          

REGISTRAR

Some of the Chinese artistes painting at their at the programme

Confucius Institute Showcases Art Masterpieces on Campus

15 Apr, 2019 By louis Mensah

The Confucius Institute (CI-UCC) has held an exhibition to showcase different art masterpieces from China at the Amissah Arthur Language Centre.

The event was organised by Greenhouse International Development Ghana Limited, in collaboration with CI-UCC was on the theme “2019 Art Exhibition of Silk Road Language of Art: Soulful Silk Road - Prosperity Together”.

The exhibition showcased different art masterpieces of Freehand (Shui-mo) painting, Chinese Landscape painting, Figure painting, Floral (Flower) painting and Calligraphy by a group of well-known painting and Calligraphy artists from China to actively practice cultural and artistic cooperation and exchanges with the people of Ghana.

                                             

Value for Art Pieces

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, the Deputy Regional Minister, Hon. Thomas Yaw Adjei-Baffoe indicated that his interest was in the conversion of the art pieces for a better and valuable exchange to help empower the people in the country for development.  “We have come to a critical stage in our development and we need China to partner us so that we can get to our destination,” he noted.

 Mr. Baffoe added that the event should serve as an opportunity for Ghanaian students, to connect and tap ideas not only for appreciation but for creativity and innovation to affect the domestic culture and boost the economy. He was grateful to CI-UCC for the initiatives of the Chinese Government for their efforts to support Ghana. “We will also continue to support and partner them in all the necessary space available but on legal and fruitful grounds,” he assured.

Ghana-China Relationship Creating more Opportunities

In his welcome address, the Provost, College of Humanity and Legal Studies, Prof. Francis Eric Amuquandoh, expressed his gratitude to the Government of China for its’ initiatives to help strengthen the international friendship and cooperation with Ghana. He said, “I know this partnership will generate the right opportunities for Ghanaians and Chinese to understand and appreciate their cultural, economic, political and academic status to influence the fruitful and peaceful development.”  The Provost commended CI-UCC, for their coordinating effort, and urged them to continue to serve as a bridge to link Ghana and China in order to realise the great potentials between the two countries.

Fostering Cultural Exchanges between Ghana and China

Explaining the purpose of the 2019 Art Exhibition, the Ghana Director of CI-UCC, Prof.  Ishmael Mensah, indicated that the event was to foster cultural exchanges between Ghana and China adding, “They are bringing their art to us and are also taking an aspect of our art with them. Since Confucius Institute serves as a bridge between Ghana and China, these are some of the cultural activities we promote to create greater understanding for both countries.”

Prof. Mensah used the occasion to call on the general public, especially the Ghanaian artists, students and lecturers to come and observe and appreciate the Chinese works of art to learn their philosophies, and connect with them to exchange ideas.

Ghanaian Artist to Exhibit in China

The China Director of CI-UCC, Prof. Hu Liangcai, noted that the “Art Exhibition” would go a long way to create a better understanding of culture among the people of the two countries to foster international cooperation. He indicated that Ghanaian artists would also be sent to China to mount an art exhibition on the traditional painting, calligraphy and other related arts as part of the cultural exchange between the two countries. “We are impressed to host thirty professional artists to display the traditional Chinese art, painting, and calligraphy in UCC.”  

The programme was attended by lecturers and students of the University.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Prof. George K. T. Oduro speaking at the launch

Student Movement Has Contributed to Socio-Economic and Political Development-Prof. Oduro

15 Apr, 2019 By louis Mensah

The former Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George K. T. Oduro has observed that the history of Ghana’s socio-economic and political development cannot be complete without reference to the contributions of the student movement.                          

Prof. Oduro noted that globally students have played and continue to play key roles in actions against human rights abuse, political suppression and other peace threatening experiences.

Students have Contributed to Policy Making

Prof. Oduro was speaking at the Launch of 56th Students’ Representative Council (SRC) on the theme “University Students as Pioneers of Sustainable National Peace and Stability.” The former Pro Vice-Chancellor averred that students through their unions have in the past and present times influenced the processes of shaping policies. “It is in this context that I strongly hold the view that students represent the consciousness and the voices of young people in every society and constitute the backbone of our nation’s existence, survival, and development”.

Be Role Models to Students

 Achieving the “Sustainable National Peace and Stability” in the country required that measures should be put in place to ensure that young people including students are not role-modeled through an environment of political intolerance, violence, imposition through autocratic leadership, declining values of mutual love, injustices, intimidation for upholding truth and objectivity, lies and other peace threatening experiences, Prof. Oduro suggested.  The former Pro Vice-Chancellor entreated adults in leadership positions to be exemplary to students in terms of peaceful co-existence irrespective of gender, religion, tribal or political differences.

Political Party Polarisation is a Threat to Mindset Development

Prof Oduro pointed out that the greatest threat to developing co-existence mindset in students was political party polarisation. “Partisan polarisation is fast permeating every aspect of our economic sector to the extent that even universities that are supposed to be apolitical by nature are being threatened by political interferences and manipulations.  He, therefore, expressed worry about political pronouncements, agitations and manipulations characterised by tensions in some universities in recent times provided evidence of the extent of partisan party interferences which was fast eroding academic freedom and autonomy of universities in Ghana.

Respect Autonomy and Academic Freedom

Prof. Oduro stated that globally, autonomy and academic freedom of universities were regarded as necessary ingredients for quality delivery of university education stressing that  “Autonomy provides a university the liberty to organise its own internal affairs as an independent corporate entity; hence each university is governed by an Act of Parliament and Statutes, with Governing Councils as the highest decision-making body. He explained further that “Academic Freedom, on the other hand, secures the right of faculty and students to engage in teaching and learning and undertake academic discourses on all national or social issues within the confines of the university without external influences”.

Prof Oduro was of the opinion that without autonomy of universities to operate under independent-minded Governing Councils, academic freedom would not thrive in any university and this could lead to unnecessary tensions that would threaten peace on campus.

The launch was spiced with rich performance and display of Ghanaian culture from the Regional Students Associations on campus.

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