Lecturers at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology have declared an indefinite strike over the government’s decision to dissolve the university’s governing council.
The strike takes effect today, Friday, October 26, 2018.
According to a report from Citi News’ Ashanti Regional correspondent, Hafiz Tijani, the lecturers after a meeting held on Friday decided not to go to the lecture halls if the school resumes within 14 days as instructed by government until their request is granted.
Background
The government on Thursday constituted a 7-member interim University council after it dissolved the previous one following a meeting with all stakeholders in the Ashanti Region over the impasse between the University Authorities and students that led to a violent protest by the students earlier on Monday and a closure of the school.
The government said the interim council will be chaired by the Paramount Chief of Bompata Traditional Area, Nana Effa Apenteng for the 3-month period it has been given to serve.
The new council is also expected to expedite the reopening of the university.
However a statement signed by its President, Prof. Eric K. Forkuo, said the lecturers will advise themselves should "the Government insist on going forward with its interim arrangement"
"UTAG is of the view that there are enough provisions and mechanisms enshrined in the Act and Statutes for the resolution of such issues. We do not believe that the action taken by government is the best way to resolve the issue as it frowns on the autonomy of the University and smacks of political interference.
UTAG-KNUST, therefore, wishes to state emphatically that it does not accept this interim arrangement by government and insist on government allowing the Act and Statutes of the University to work. Should the Government insist on going forward with its interim arrangement, UTAG will have no option, other than to advise itself with immediate effect" the statement indicated.
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