Withdraw the rejected public universities bill; we can't accept it in the current form — UTAG to government

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has called on the government to withdraw the controversial Public Universities Bill currently before parliament.

The group says it cannot accept the proposed legislation in its current form.

In a press statement dated February 6, signed by UTAG's National Secretary Dr. Eliasu Mumuni, they expressed dismay that the government had re-submitted the rejected bill despite widespread rejection from stakeholders in the university community.

"We are particularly dismayed by the lack of consultation or engagement with UTAG, the primary stakeholders and beneficiaries of such legislation," read a portion of the statement.

It added: "UTAG vehemently opposes the passage of the PUB in its current form and demands its immediate withdrawal from Parliament."

UTAG argued that the disregard for consultation with the association, coupled with the alarming disregard for the concerns of the university community, demonstrates a lack of respect for the principles of shared governance and academic freedom.

The lecturers' union urged the government to reconsider its approach and engage in meaningful dialogue with UTAG and other stakeholders such as the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG) before passing the bill into law.

"The future of our public universities and the quality of higher education in Ghana depend on collaborative efforts that respect the voices and expertise of all stakeholders," they stated.