Flagbearer of the NDC John Dramani Mahama has said that academic freedom is being trampled upon under the Akufo-Addo-led government.
According to him, most heads of institutions and headmasters are failing to speak on their institution’s challenges for fear of being sacked.
Speaking at a meeting with members of The University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG) the former president described the development as unfortunate as this is a democratic state.
"looks like academic freedom is being trampled on and taken away under this government. All of you in the sector are afraid to speak because you are afraid you will be sacked and so you see a lot of things going on, people have been gagged and headmasters and heads of institutions complain to us quietly but nobody can speak up.”
“This is a democracy and I think it's an unfortunate development,” he added.
Drop university bill
John Dramani Mahama also called government to drop the university bill before parliament and allow universities have their separate governance.
According to him, the introduction of public university bill will impede academic freedom.
The former president is of the view that universities are not the same as they all have different missions.
"Public University bill to govern all universities. Who says all universities are the same? University have different missions and they specialize differently, and they are put up for different purposes. The university of Mines and Technology in Tarkwa do not have the same mission and the university of Health and Allied Science in Ho so why they should have a c…
TUTAG meeting with the former president forms of the NDC and John Mahama’s engagement with stakeholders and key groupings ahead of the 2020 general elections.
According to Mahama, the interactions are aimed at sharing ideas, listening to the concerns and expectations of the various groupings which will have a direct impact on the party’s 2020 manifesto.
By Nimatu Yakubu Atouyese
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