Renewal of KNUST VC tenure illegal-Alumnus goes to court

A financial consultant and alumnus of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology(KNUST), Kofi Clement Ohene Asare, has filed a suit at the Kumasi High Court seeking to injunct the university’s Council from its renewal of the Vice Chancellor’s tenure.

He avers that the re-appointment, of the Vice Chancellor is contrary to the University’s Statute which requires the formation of a search committee whose chair shall be outside the university, to propose a suitable candidate for consideration.

This according to him was not followed by the Council in renewing the Vice Chancellor’s tenure.

Prof.(Mrs) Rita Akosua Dickson, whose 4-year tenure is expected to end on July 31, has been given an additional two years which is to commence on August 1, 2024.

However, Mr Ohene Asare is seeking an interlocutory injunction directed at the University, its Chairman of Council, and the Vice Chancellor pending the hearing of the substantive suit.

The plaintiff indicates that the conduct of the university council is unlawful, illegal, and unconscionable and ought not be made to stand.

He adds also that as a citizen and an alumnus, he is duty-bound to ensure scrupulous compliance with the statutes/laws governing the school.

Per his substantive suit, he is thus seeking among others;

A declaration that the proposed decision of the Council to renew the term of the Vice Chancellor by two more years is in violation of the statutes of the university and therefore void.

An order compelling the University and its council to abide by the statute.

An order setting aside the Council’s decision to renew the appointment of the Vice Chancellor.

An order of perpetual injunction restraining the University, the Council, and the Vice Chancellor from the decision.

The suit is meanwhile expected to be heard on July 30, 2024.