Prof. Afful-Broni inducted as new UEW VC despite raging controversy

Rev. Prof. Fr. Anthony Afful-Broni has been inducted into office as the 4th Vice Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, despite a raging controversy over the decision.

His tenure will end on September 30, 2021.

Prof. Afful-Broni once held the Pro-Vice-Chancellor position of the University before acting as the Vice Chancellor.

In his address, the new Vice-Chancellor said he was going to work to increase the University’s student population to over 70,000 by next academic year.

He added that the University under his tenure will see a new phase in leadership, infrastructure, and a better relationship between the University and the traditional area.

Speaking ahead of the investiture, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Education, Winneba, Prof Nicholas Abekah, said the Council put Prof. Afful-Broni to stringent leadership tests which he duly passed.

He said during the period Prof. Afful-Broni acted as the Vice Chancellor of the institution, he proved himself worthy by his competence and moral uprightness.

Prof. Nicholas Abekah said the investiture is a testimony that sanity has returned to the campus of the University.

The programme had in attendance President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, Nenyi Ghartey, the Omanhen of the Efutu Traditional Area,  Rev. Palmer Buckle, the Central Regional Minister, Kwamena Duncan and other dignitaries.

He further stated that the choice of Prof Afful-Broni is with no malice as the Council upholds the institution and Ghana beyond any individual.

Induction controversy 

Ahead of the induction ceremony, Professor Raymond Atuguba said the process was illegal.

In an article, the  respected lawyer said this was because a case was pending at the Supreme Court challenging the removal of the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mawutor Avoke from office as Vice-Chancellor.

Prof. Atuguba also said ethnocentric sentiments led to the removal of Prof. Avoke.

Former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mawutor Avoke, together with six other Principal Officers of the University, were removed by the Governing Council.

“When a change of government occurred in January 2017, a certain cabal (for lack of a better word) that is associated with Winneba saw this as an opportunity to change principal officers of the University of Education, Winneba. After acting as Lawyer for the victims of this move, I can only conclude that the only real reason for their removal was ethnocentric. So Vice Chancellor Avoke, Finance Officer Akorlie, and bearers of similar such names had to go.”

By: Joseph Ackon Mensah/citinewsroom.com/Ghana

Source: citifmonline.com