KNUST VC, two others face contempt charges in controversial reappointment dispute

Kofi Ohene Clement, the petitioner challenging the reappointment of Professor Rita Akosua Dickson as Vice Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has initiated contempt of court proceedings against key university officials.

The petitioner is seeking an order to commit the respondents for what he describes as intentional and deliberate actions that undermine the administration of justice.

In his latest suit, the petitioner argued that Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson (3rd Respondent), whose tenure as Vice Chancellor officially ended on 31 July 2024, has continued to assume office despite the ongoing legal challenge. The petitioner argues that this conduct is a blatant disregard for the authority of the court, especially given the pendency of an application which seeks to nullify her reappointment.

The case names Kwasi Anin Yeboah, Chairman of the University Council, as the 2nd Respondent, and AK Boateng, the University Registrar, as the 1st Respondent. The petitioner accuses these officials of enabling Prof. Dickson to remain in office, thereby bringing the administration of justice into disrepute and ridicule.

Prof. Akosua Dickson’s initial appointment as Vice Chancellor of KNUST marked a historic moment, as she became the first female to hold the position in the university’s history. However, her reappointment has been marred by legal disputes, with some stakeholders, including the petitioner questioning the process and the legitimacy of her continued leadership.

The Court of Appeal will today (12 August) hear the petitioner’s case against the recent decision of the Kumasi High Court regarding the reappointment of the Vice Chancellor.

This latest legal battle comes just days after the High Court dismissed Asare’s original case on 30 July ruling that the suit lacked merit.

Source:dailymailgh.com