THE ADMONISTRATOR OF VALLEY VIEW UNIVERSITY (MR. OKYERE DARKO) MUST BE CALLED TO APOLOGISE FOR UNDERMINING HUMAN RIGHTS

AMEKAH EDWARD GADEBERG

In our quest to strengthen human rights and democratic processes in our country, others are behind the scene pulling down the structures which has long been built by our forefathers.

The 1992 constitution of the Republic of Ghana, chapter five (5), Section 17 talks about Equality and Freedom from discrimination. I would like to take this opportunity to explain some aspects of the constitution to others who are finding it difficult to understand.

EQUALITY AND FREEDOM FROM DISCRIMINATION;
17. (1) All persons shall be equal before the law
(2) A person shall not be discriminated against on grounds of gender, race, colour, ethnic origin, religion, creed or social or economic status.

For the purpose of this paper, I would like to explain the word “Discrimination” to the benefit of my readers and the administrator of VVU.

Discrimination according to the oxford dictionary is the practice of treating somebody or a particular group in society less fairly than others, and the 1992 constitution of the Republic of Ghana further explain “discrimination” as, means to give different treatment to different persons attributable only or mainly to their descriptions by race, place of origin, political opinions, colour, gender, occupation, religion or creed, whereby persons or one description are subjected to disabilities or restriction to which persons of another description are not made subject or are granted privileges or advantages which are granted to persons of another description.

If we now understand the word discrimination according to dictionary definitions and constitutional definition, then Mr Okyere Darko, (administrator of Valley View University) according to his comments that “Rastafarians are abnormal people and are therefore not welcomed or admitted into the university no matter how qualified they are academically” is discriminating against a particular group in our society.

“Rastafarians are abnormal People” is his opinion which I have no problem with, but further extending to the fact that “Rastafarians are not welcomed or admitted into the University” is where I am having difficulties to understand.

The question is therefore; WHAT HAS EDUCATION HAVE TO DO WITH HAIR OR DREADLOCKS?

The same constitution talks about EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS;

25. (1) All persons shall have the right to equal educational opportunities and facilities and with a view to achieving the full realization of that right.

(c) Higher education shall be made equally accessible to all, on the basis of capacity, by every appropriate means, and in particular, by progressive introduction of free education;

If we have all these enshrined in our constitution, then it shows how the administrator, Mr Okyere Darko and the School “VALLEY VIEW UNIVERSITY” are undermining human rights.

I will personally be disappointed with both the School and Mr Okyere Darko if his statement or comment is in the rules and regulations of the school or it is part of the Criteria for making admission in the school that all male students should shave their hair before seeking admission in the University.

The commission on human rights and administrative justice (CHRAJ) must take a bold step to investigate into this matter and prosecute those involved since it is enshrined in the constitution of Ghana as their duty “to investigate complaints concerning practices and actions by persons, private enterprises and other institutions where those complaints allege violation of fundamental rights and freedom under the constitution”

I will not make any hasty conclusion about questioning the step CHRAJ has made into this issue but Mr Okyere Darko, making this statement public should be called to apologize for undermining human rights, and if it is part of the rules of the University, then such law should be reversed to give equal opportunity to all persons.

It is time we stop unnecessary discrimination and criticisms, respect human rights, focus on building strong institutions and the human intellect to ensure development in mother Ghana.

AMEKAH EDWARD GADEBERG
POLITICAL SCIENCE IV
KNUST
[email protected]
0245757587