The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has stated it opposes the passage of the Public Universities Bill (PUB) in its current form and so demands its immediate withdrawal from Parliament.
It stated that the failure to consult with the association, together with the worrisome disdain for the concerns of the university community, showed a lack of respect for the principles of shared governance and academic freedom.
“As stakeholders committed to advancing higher education in Ghana, we urge the government to reconsider its approach and engage in meaningful dialogue with UTAG and other relevant stakeholders, including the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG),” a statement signed by Dr. Eliasu Mumuni, National Secretary of UTAG.
It stated that the future of the country’s public universities and the quality of higher education depended on collaborative efforts that valued the perspectives and expertise of all stakeholders.
UTAG, it stated, would remain committed to protecting the autonomy and integrity of public universities, and “we will continue to advocate policies that uphold the values of academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and quality education for all.”
UTAG is deeply disappointed that the government has resubmitted the rejected PUB to Parliament for consideration in the eighth session.
“We observe the government’s persistence in pushing through this controversial bill despite widespread rejection from the university community and the higher education environment.
We are particularly dismayed by the lack of consultation or engagement with UTAG, the primary stakeholders and beneficiaries of such legislation,” the statement said.
The PUB was first introduced in 2020. Following its introduction, UTAG opposed the law, claiming that it violated academic freedom.
When passed in its current form, the law would give the government the authority to appoint the majority of university council members, oversee the university’s finances, and determine how money is allocated.
It would also allow the president to dissolve the university council.
After examining the bill, the association submitted a 25-page memorandum for consideration by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education.
This was to ensure that the governance, administration, and accountability structures of public universities were appropriately harmonised without tampering with their autonomy and education freedoms.
Parliament resumed sitting last Tuesday after the Christmas break for the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Eighth Parliament.
A statement from Parliament said that during the meeting, a total of 82 bills were expected to be presented to the House.
The bills the house will be considering include the Aged Persons Bill, 2023; the Advertising Council Bill, 2023; the Consumer Protection Bill, 2023; the Public University Bill; and the 2023 Ghana Road Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
The House would also work on 12 other bills that are presently at the committee level.
They include the Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Bill, 2023 (Committee on Gender and Children) and the Social Protection Bill, 2023 (Committee on Gender and Children).
UTAG Opposes Re-submission of Public Universities Bill
