BTU Council divided as Chairman rejects parliamentary mediation in VC dispute

Tensions at Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) have intensified following reports that the Chairman of the University's Governing Council, Dr. Bishop Akolgo, rejected efforts by the Speaker of Parliament to mediate an ongoing dispute involving Vice Chancellor Professor Samuel Erasmus Alnaa.

The dispute centres on an investigation into alleged procurement irregularities involving the Vice Chancellor, a matter that has sparked divisions within the university's governing body and drawn the attention of both Parliament and the Ministry of Education.

According to sources familiar with the developments, the Speaker of Parliament invited members of the University Council and the Vice Chancellor to a meeting on May 25, 2026, aimed at finding an amicable resolution to the impasse. Sources claim that after receiving the invitation, Dr. Akolgo advised invited Council members not to attend. However, some members reportedly honoured the invitation, arguing that it would be inappropriate to ignore a request from the Speaker.

At the meeting, the Speaker is said to have sought the consent of all parties to mediate the dispute. Sources indicate that both the Council Chairman and Council members present agreed to the mediation process.

On June 4, 2026, the Speaker reportedly followed up with a letter to the Council Chairman, reaffirming his commitment to resolving the matter through dialogue and consultation.

However, concerns emerged during an emergency Governing Council meeting held on June 9, when some members objected to attempts to deliberate on and act upon the report of an investigative committee while the matter remained under the attention of both the Speaker of Parliament and the Minister of Education.

The Minister of Education had earlier convened a meeting in Accra on May 12 involving the Council Chairman, government-appointed Council members, university management and the Vice Chancellor. At that meeting, the Minister reportedly directed that discussions on the committee's report be suspended pending further review. Stakeholders say a promised follow-up meeting has yet to take place.

Despite those directives, the June 9 meeting proceeded to consider the committee's findings. Sources within the Council say disagreements quickly surfaced over the committee's mandate and the procedures required for making decisions regarding the Vice Chancellor.

A key point of contention was the interpretation of the university's statutes. Some Council members argued that Statute 13, Section 16, which governs recommendations relating to the removal of a Vice Chancellor and other senior officers, requires approval by at least two-thirds of the entire Council membership before any recommendation can take effect.

Others, however, reportedly relied on Statute 8, Section 6, which provides that Council decisions should be determined by a simple majority of members present and voting.

The differing interpretations reportedly triggered heated exchanges during the meeting. Several members opposed proceeding with a vote under the simple majority provision, insisting that the matter fell squarely within the provisions of Statute 13 and therefore required a two-thirds majority.

Sources say some members eventually staged a walkout in protest. The remaining members reportedly proceeded with a vote based on the simple majority interpretation, a decision critics contend was inconsistent with the university's governing statutes.

The controversy has further exposed divisions within the university community. Supporters of Professor Alnaa argue that efforts to remove him are politically motivated and procedurally flawed. Others maintain that the allegations raised by the investigative committee warrant thorough consideration within the university's governance framework.

The dispute has also reportedly strained staff relations, with dozens of university employees facing disciplinary proceedings following a press conference that criticised the actions of the Council leadership.

As the standoff continues, attention is now focused on the Ministry of Education and the Speaker of Parliament, with stakeholders awaiting possible interventions to resolve the escalating governance crisis at Bolgatanga Technical University.

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