In a press release signed by Dr. Harry L. Agbanu, National President, UTAG, development at the UEW shows that some individuals hiding behind some political authority are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to attack and conquer everything including the academic freedom of our Public Universities; freedom that is a prerequisite for a congenial atmosphere for teaching, learning and research.

According to the release, “In the face of well-defined provisions in the respective Acts and statutes, which govern the various Public Universities in Ghana, it is sad to note that some individuals attempt in circumventing them through the Courts”

UTAG however declared its faith and confidence in the men and women manning our Courts to salvage Public Universities from the hands of self-seeking individuals who will stop at nothing to have their way even when their actions will ultimately taint the image of the Public Universities and are indeed inimical to public good.

It therefore appeal to all well-meaning Ghanaians to join forces with it to fight these self-seeking individuals who are hiding under the cloak of 'public interest' and 'justice' to trample upon our time-tested principle of academic freedom. This is a course well-meaning citizens cannot defer for even a minute as academic freedom is at the core of national development.

 Read below the full release:

                                                                               UTAG
                                                                 NATIONAL SECRETARIAT
                                                 UNIVERSITY TEACHERS ASSOCIATION OF GHANA
UNIVERSITY TEACHERS ASSOCIATION OF GHANA'S (UTAG) PRESS RELEASE ON THE SITUATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, WINNEBA

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has followed with concern developments at the University of Education, Winneba, over the past several months. It has become abundantly clear that some individuals hiding behind some political authority are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to attack and conquer everything including the academic freedom of our Public Universities; freedom that is a prerequisite for a congenial atmosphere for teaching, learning and research.

In the face of well-defined provisions in the respective Acts and statutes, which govern the various Public Universities in Ghana, it is sad to note that some individuals attempt in circumventing them through the Courts. However, UTAG has faith and confidence in the men and women manning our Courts to salvage our Public Universities from the hands of selfseeking individuals who will stop at nothing to have their way even when their actions will ultimately taint the image of the Public Universities and are indeed inimical to public good.

UTAG, therefore, intends to follow the legal path to defend the threatened image and dignity of our Public Universities as is currently happening at UEW. UTAG calls on all well-meaning Ghanaians to join forces with it to fight these self-seeking individuals who are hiding under the cloak of 'public interest' and 'justice' to trample upon our time-tested principle of academic freedom. This is a course well-meaning citizens cannot defer for even a minute as academic freedom is at the core of national development.

UTAG-National sympathizes with colleagues at UEW as they are forced to work under a courtimposed management as against the Act and statutes of the University. Also, the National Executive-Committee (NEC) of UTAG fully supports the current industrial action embarked upon by UTAG-UEW. Indeed, as we pursue our case in court, all branches of UTAG are to deliberate on this matter while leadership closely monitors further developments now that a governing Council is in place.

UTAG-National, therefore, gives the Governing Council two (2) weeks to resolve the current impasse at UEW in accordance with the Act and statutes of the University. UTAG reserves the right to deploy all the weapons available to wit as a professional association to stop the steady and persistent external interference that seems to be creeping into the administration of Public Universities in Ghana. These interferences, if not checked, have the potential of grinding institutions to a complete halt.
 

                                                                                               UTAG
                                                                                NATIONAL SECRETARIAT
                                                                UNIVERSITY TEACHERS ASSOCIATION OF GHANA

UTAG appeals to its members through out the country to remain calm in the face of extreme provocation as leadership engages relevant authorities and monitors the situation as it unfolds.
 
Thank you.
 
Dr. Harry L. . Agbanu
National President, UTAG
Date: July 18, 2017. Contact: 0243614662