The Minister of Education, Prof. Jane Naana Opku-Agyemang, has given authorities of the University of Ghana three days to explain the circumstances under which they are preventing some motorists from entering the university.
A letter dated March 18, 2014, signed by deputy Education Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and addressed to the Chairman of the University of Ghana Council, said the minister needs the answers latest by Fiday, March 21, 2014.
“The Minister of Education pursuant to Section 26 (4) of the University of Ghana Act, 2010, Act 806 respectfully requests that as a matter urgency you submit a report on the present issues that have arisen as a result of the actions of the University of Ghana to regulate access to the premises of the University,” the letter stated in part.
It said the Education Ministry has taken note of the public disaffection and controversy created by university’s decision.
Authorities of the University of Ghana following a government directive to suspend the collection of road tolls on campus, introduced a sticker system by which all vehicles using the University’s road are required to have a sticker.
Each sticker costs GH¢400 and entitles one to drive in and out of the university for a period of one year.
There were chaotic scenes at the entry gates into the institution Monday when some parents whose children attend the University of Ghana Basic School were prevent from entering the university for want of a sticker.
The angry parents accused the university authorities of acting with impunity.
They argued that since the government had offered to pay for the loan which the university said it took to build the roads – the reason for the tolls – there was no justifiable reason to introduce the stickers.
The Education Ministry appears to agree with the position of the frustrated parents.
The Minister’s letter said the development was “a matter of national concern.”
The Minister is therefore invoking Section 26(4) of Act 806: “The Council shall also submit to the Minister any other reports which the Minister may require in writing,” to demand answers from the University Council.
The letter also reminded the Council of its obligation to submit annual reports to the Minister for onward presentation to Parliament in accordance with Sub-sections 1, 2, and 3 of Section 26 of Act 806.
“The report for 2013 is outstanding and it is expected that it be submitted to the Minister soonest,” the letter added.
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