TEWU-Ghana to Disrupt KNUST Vice Chancellor Election: In a tense situation at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the Tertiary Education Workers Union-Ghana (TEWU-Ghana) plans to disrupt the upcoming University Council meeting to elect a new Vice-Chancellor. This decision is part of ongoing conflicts between TEWU-Ghana and the rival group TEWU-TUC, which could greatly impact the university’s governance. This post gives you an explanation of this situation, continue reading to learn more.
TEWU-Ghana to Disrupt KNUST Vice Chancellor Election
The conflict between TEWU-Ghana and TEWU-TUC has reached a critical point. TEWU-Ghana, which broke away from TEWU-TUC in June 2022, claims to have the majority of union members at KNUST. Despite this, there are attempts to include TEWU-TUC representatives in the University Council meeting scheduled for June 20, 2024. TEWU-Ghana argues that this inclusion would be illegal and could lead to chaos on campus.
Both TEWU-Ghana and TEWU-TUC have had their membership in the 12-member University Council suspended pending the outcome of a lawsuit at the Kumasi High Court. Section 7 (h) of the KNUST statutes mandates that the University Council must include “a representative of the teachers and education workers union.” However, this statutory requirement is currently a source of contention, with TEWU-Ghana asserting its majority status and questioning the rationale behind including representatives from the smaller TEWU-TUC group.
Potential Consequences of Council Decisions
At an emergency meeting on June 19, 2024, TEWU-Ghana executives warned that allowing TEWU-TUC representatives to participate in the Vice Chancellor election would violate the university’s regulations and could result in significant unrest. Charles Arthur, Chairman of TEWU-Ghana at KNUST, emphasized that the union members are prepared to exercise their rights under the Labor Act, Act 651, if their concerns are not addressed.
University Management’s Response and Next Steps
Despite the warnings from TEWU-Ghana, University Relations Officer Dr. Norris Bekoe has declined to comment on the situation. The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has also intervened, asking all parties to maintain the status quo while a resolution is sought. TEWU-Ghana remains vigilant, monitoring the situation closely and preparing to act if their demands are not met.
Conclusion
The impending University Council meeting at KNUST is poised to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing dispute between TEWU-Ghana and TEWU-TUC. As the university community awaits the outcome, the potential for industrial disharmony looms large. It is crucial for all stakeholders to work towards a fair and legal resolution to ensure the smooth functioning of the university and the well-being of its staff and students.
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