By Daniel Y Dayee, Sunyani, Fiapre
The management and unions of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) have come out in defense of Vice Chancellor Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako, rejecting corruption allegations published in a local newspaper. The Crusading Guide newspaper article, titled “Horried Rot At UENR; Senior Staff Petition President, National Security and CHRAJ, Want CV Out,” sparked widespread concern among the university community.
Response from UENR Management
In a press release, UENR management described the allegations as “falsehood and throwing of dust into the public eye and the university community.” They explained that the controversy stems from ongoing misunderstandings between management and some senior staff members over contract appointments and teachings. Specifically, management cited issues with staff members breaching contract terms, labor laws, and university statutes, resulting in suspensions and disengagements.
The staff members in question include:
– Prof. Eric Ofosu Antwi, Director of Regional Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (RCEES)
– Prof. Alex A. Opoku, former head of Mathematics and Statistics Department
– Prof. Charles Adarkwah, former head of Horticulture and Crop Production Department
– Dr. Gilbert K. Menssh, former senior programmer at the IT Directorate
– Mr. Selorm Ankudey, Senior ICT Assistant in the IT Directorate
Response from University Unions
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) and Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSAU) also rejected the allegations, describing them as “mendacious, fabricated, and malicious.” UTAG Secretary Dr. Francis Douglas Appiah emphasized that there is no evidence to support claims of gross administrative injustice, culture of silence, victimization, or mishandling of RCEES.
Key Points from UTAG and SSAU
– No grounds for removal: UTAG stated that there is no reason to call for the removal or suspension of Vice Chancellor Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako.
– Use of appropriate channels: UTAG advised dissatisfied individuals to use established channels to seek redress.
– Distancing from allegations: SSAU Chairman Clifford Asomah Kyere emphasized that the association distances itself from the claims, attributing them to individual views rather than the association’s perspective.
Call for Retraction
The unions and management are calling for a retraction of the published allegations, insisting that protecting the reputation of both the Vice Chancellor and the university is essential. Dr. Appiah appealed to national media regulatory bodies to address the issue with the newspaper responsible for the publication, emphasizing the need for journalists to verify facts before publication.