APSU condemns interdiction of Headmaster
Accra, Oct. 21, GNA - The National Executive Council of St Augustine's College Past Students Union (APSU), has described the interdiction of Mr Joseph Connel, the Headmaster for allegedly charging unapproved fees as grossly unfair.
The Council said the action violated laid down procedures as well as rules of natural justice.
A statement issued by Dr Ernest Anthony Osei, APSU President in Accra on Friday said the unpopular decision by the Ghana Education Service (GES) had elicited sharp condemnation from APSUnians, the Board of Governors and well-wishers, all of whom have described it as hasty and ill-advised.
'The Union is in full agreement with the Governing Board's letter of 17th October 2016, in response to the GES directive. We therefore call upon the GES to urgently rescind its decision on Mr Connel.
'If the GES remains adamant we are confident that the Union's consideration of a boycott of activities and programmes of the College will be understood.
'If the situation is not sanitised, the Union may consider a suspension of support to the College. This could include a boycott of all GES supervised programmes until the unfair interdiction is reversed,' the statement warned.
It said the proposal was scheduled to be discussed shortly and if pursued, the action by APSU could have far-reaching consequences, as the Union remained a major financial contributor to the development of the College.
The statement said: 'Such an action has the potential of derailing many years of diligent work and stifling participation of APSUnians from student-centred activities such as the mentorship and counselling programme and the repercussions of such actions are not far-fetched.
'As a major stakeholder in the College, APSU together with its individual APSUnians have contributed more than one million dollars towards the College's development.
'These include refurbishment of the Dining Hall by APSU 1991 costing GH¢ 340,000.00, refurbishment of the Geography Block by APSU 1990, GH¢ 110,000.00 and refurbishment of the Assembly Hall by APSU 1989, GH¢ 96,000.00.
The rest are refurbishment of the Classroom Blocks A and B by APSU 1988, GH¢ 112,000.00, construction of two Gate Houses by APSU 1984 and 1969, construction of a Laundry Bay by APSU 1985 and construction of Nduom House by Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom costing GH¢ 500,000.00.
Others are upgrading of the Sports Oval into a Mini Stadium (Phase 1) by Professor Joseph Adjaye at the cost of GH¢ 300,000.00, renovation of Computer Laboratory and donation of 10 computers by APSU 1986, conversion of a facility into second Computer Laboratory with 63 computers by Prof Adjaye and his brother Dr Robert Adjaye costing GH¢ 200,000.00, donation of 32-Seater Hyundai Bus costing $ 63,000.00 and donation of BMW saloon car for the office of Headmaster by one Benson Poku Adjei.
'This is very much line with the aims and objectives of the Union, which among others include To uphold and promote the ideals for which the College was founded; To promote and enhance the welfare and progress of the school; To liaise and maintain funds, from which aid for the steady development of the College may be provided; and To promote and encourage learning and high standards of education in the college and the country at large.
'APSU stands in solidarity with our Headmaster, who is doing a fantastic job as is verifiable from the academic and other records.
'The synergy and collaboration between the Headmaster and the Union is at its best, resulting in increased financial, technical, and moral support from the Union.
'Meanwhile, we urge all APSUnians and well-wishers to rally together at this difficult time to support a good cause.'
GNA