According to him, the period was one of deep uncertainty, where fear silenced many from expressing their views freely.
Recounting those years, he explained that the political climate discouraged open criticism of the regime.
“People could not talk because you may be picked up the next day,” he recalled, describing how even everyday conversations carried a sense of caution.
Despite this atmosphere, he stated that students became the most outspoken critics of the government.
At the time, Ghana had only three universities, Legon, Cape Coast, and UST (now KNUST).
The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) rose to prominence, organizing demonstrations not only for academic welfare but also to demand a return to democratic governance.
Dr. Adutwum highlighted that these protests were often large-scale and posed a serious challenge to the military regime.
One issue that intensified the clashes between students and government was the replacement of free tertiary education with student loans.
Until then, university students had enjoyed meals, accommodation, and other benefits at no cost.
The sudden policy change triggered mass protests, which ultimately forced the closure of all universities across the country.
Dr. Adutwum recalled a controversial incident at UST, where the then SRC president secretly sought reconciliation with the regime through the Asantehene.