A major governance dispute has erupted at the Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) after Vice-Chancellor Professor Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa took legal action to challenge what he describes as an unlawful attempt to terminate his appointment.
Professor Afoakwa, who has led the university since March 2021, is contracted to serve until 28 February 2029. His second term, granted by the University Council in August 2024, followed the successful completion of his initial term and prompted him to take early retirement from the University of Ghana in order to fully dedicate himself to GCTU.
According to sources within the university, the dispute began yesterday morning when members of the Governing Council were reportedly convened at 10:00 a.m., during which the Council Chairman allegedly attempted to orchestrate the removal of Professor Afoakwa. The move, sources say, bypassed the statutory procedures outlined in the Ghana Communication Technology University Act, 2020 (Act 1022), as well as the university’s internal statutes, which require adherence to due process for disciplinary action or removal of a Vice-Chancellor.
The situation escalated further yesterday evening when Professor Afoakwa’s official vehicle was reportedly blocked at the Tesano campus entrance, preventing him from leaving the premises. The incident reportedly raised concerns over the Vice-Chancellor’s personal safety and required intervention from the National Intelligence Bureau to ensure he could safely return home.
Observers within the academic community have expressed concern that the actions of the Council Chairman and a small number of members may undermine the governance autonomy of the university. Professor Afoakwa’s tenure has been associated with strategic initiatives aimed at positioning GCTU as a leading hub for digital innovation in Ghana, often described by stakeholders as an emerging “Silicon Valley” for technology education in the country.
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In response to the events, Professor Afoakwa has filed a writ at the High Court in Accra seeking an injunction to restrain the alleged unlawful termination. The suit argues that the purported removal violates the terms of his contract, breaches principles of natural justice and fair hearing guaranteed under the 1992 Constitution, and contravenes provisions of the GCTU Act. Legal filings request the court to determine the legality of the Council’s actions and prevent any interference with the Vice-Chancellor’s tenure.
The dispute has prompted reactions from key university stakeholders. The GCTU branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) and the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) reportedly expressed strong concerns, noting that they were not consulted before the attempted action. Both associations have called on the Ministry of Education to intervene and ensure adherence to due process, institutional integrity, and the protection of the university’s governance structures.
Analysts say the dispute highlights broader risks to university governance in Ghana, particularly in public institutions where council authority and executive leadership roles can overlap. Legal scholars and governance experts note that adherence to statutory procedures and protection of institutional autonomy are critical for maintaining academic stability and investor confidence in higher education initiatives, including research, innovation, and partnerships with the private sector.
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For GCTU, the unfolding developments come at a time of rapid expansion in digital and technology-focused programs, alongside efforts to attract international partnerships and funding. Stakeholders warn that prolonged instability at the leadership level could disrupt ongoing projects and affect the university’s reputation both nationally and across the African higher education landscape.
As the matter now proceeds through the courts, observers are urging all parties to respect the rule of law and await judicial determination. The outcome of the case is expected to have wider implications for university governance in Ghana, potentially setting a precedent for how similar disputes are handled across public higher education institutions.
Further updates are anticipated as the High Court considers the Vice Chancellor’s legal filings.
