Blame Vice-Chancellor for KNUST chaos – National Youth Authority CEO

The CEO of the National Youth Authority, Mr. Emmanuel Sin-yet Asigri, has blamed the Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Professor Kwasi Obiri-Danso for the recent brutalities meted out to some students and the subsequent demonstration, riots, and vandalism that followed on Monday, 22 October.

“To say the least, the tacit endorsement of these shocking and barbaric acts by authorities of the university is very disgraceful, shameful and an affront to Ghana’s constitutional order and further leaves an indelible scar on Ghana’s democratic dispensation.

“The National Youth Authority (NYA) calls on all peace-loving Ghanaians including state security agencies to hold the university administration headed by Vice-Chancellor Professor Kwasi Obiri-Danso, under whose watch this is happening, accountable, and demand that he act responsibly and take the necessary actions in a timely manner, to avert any further brutalities and confusion that will only mar the peace on the KNUST campus,” a statement signed by Mr Sin-nyet Asigri, said on Monday, 22 October 2018.

His comments follow widespread vandalism of property on campus.

The students held a demonstration in protests to a directive that there will no longer be vigils and gatherings to sing ‘jama’ songs. Ten students and one alumnus were arrested on Friday and later released. This got the students infuriated thereby embarking on the demonstration.

Meanwhile, the university has been shut down and a 6 pm to 6 am curfew imposed on the school enclave.

Ghanaian students are also to vacate the school before 12 pm on Tuesday, 22 October 2018.



Below is the full statement from the CEO of the NYA:

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PRESS RELEASE BY THE NATIONAL YOUTH AUTHORITY ON INHUMANE ATTACKS ON STUDENTS OF KNUST BY THE UNIVERSITY SECURITY

22nd October, 2018

For Immediate Release

The National Youth Authority has taken notice of the gradual lawlessness that is setting in at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and condemns unequivocally, the wanton acts of brutality meted out to protesting students. The bloody scenes unfolded as a result of this inhumane treatment of the students have been disseminated across the globe.

To say the least, the tacit endorsement of these shocking and barbaric acts by authorities of the university is very disgraceful, shameful and an affront to Ghana’s constitutional order and further leaves an indelible scar on Ghana’s democratic dispensation.

However, the Authority has also taken note of some criminal activities emanating from some purported students and call on the Police to deal with these suspects in accordance with the laws of our country.

In recent times KNUST under the leadership of the current Vice Chancellor has been in the news for various negative reasons. As the government agency responsible for youth development in this country we find the crude means adopted by leadership of the University in resolving student agitations such as the use of sheer force and acts of brutality reminiscent of the era of military rule.

This is criminal in nature and an affront to Ghana’s democracy. We are not in a banana republic to allow the university security to take the law into their own hands and treat students as if they are second class animals.

The National Youth Authority calls on all peace-loving Ghanaians including state security agencies to hold the university administration headed by Vice Chancellor Professor Kwasi Obiri-Danso, under whose watch this is happening, accountable, and demand that he acts responsibly and take the necessary actions in a timely manner, to avert any further brutalities and confusion that will only mar the peace on the KNUST campus.

While the Youth Authority condemns the acts of brutality being visited on students by the university security, we call on the students to exercise restraint in their reactions to the barbaric attacks. As intellectuals they must at every point in time adopt peaceful means in defending their constitutional rights and freedoms!

…SIGNED….

Emmanuel Sin-nyet Asigri

Chief Executive Officer