UCC Cancels “Void” Reappointment of VC

The Management of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has cancelled the appointment extension of its Vice Chancellor, Prof Johnson Nyarko Boampong.

According to the institution, the extension which was granted on July 28, 2023, for a term of two (2) years effective August 1, 2024, is void and thereby the revocation.

In a letter addressed to the VC dated August 31, 2024, the Chairman of the University Council, Harold S. Amonoo-Kuofi, cited Article 199 clauses (1) and (4) of the 1992 Constitution and the statutes of the University to explain the motivation behind the Council’s repentance.

He noted that the VC will be 60 years old and due for compulsory retirement on September 18, 2025, when the extension is granted in breach of the two laws.

“While your appointment may be extended by 2 years at a time up to a maximum of 5 years beyond your retirement age by contract, as provided in Article 199 clause (4) above, there has not yet been any such contractual extension, and such extension is applicable only to your appointment as a member of the University in general, but not applicable to your position as the Vice-Chancellor, since the University’s Statutes has placed a limit on same in Statute 8.2.

“Statute 8.2 of the University’s Statutes provides that your position as Vice-Chancellor can be renewed/extended by up to 3 years. However, such an extension shall not exceed your retirement age of 60 years, thus: ‘The Vice-Chancellor shall hold office for an initial term of four years. The appointment may be renewed for a further term of up to three years if that is not beyond the statutory retiring age of 60’.”

Additionally, he noted that the renewal was not done as a properly-constituted Search Committee was not put in place, as required by Statute 8.15, to fulfil its mandate imposed by Statutes 8.16 and 8.17 in the appointment or renewal process.

“From the foregoing, the 2-year renewal/extension of your position as Vice-Chancellor granted by Council is void and same cannot stand,” he affirmed.

It comes as the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is being challenged in court for the same action.

Source:opemsuo.com