Court clears UCC vice-chancellor to resume duties, orders interlocutory injunction against council

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, has been cleared to resume his role following a Cape Coast High Court ruling that granted a stay of execution on an earlier injunction barring him from performing his official duties.

This decision allows Prof. Boampong to continue his work as Vice-Chancellor while legal proceedings surrounding his reappointment are resolved.

The court also issued an interlocutory injunction against the UCC Governing Council and its Chairman, prohibiting any discussions or decisions related to Prof. Boampong’s removal.

The ruling further prevents the university from taking any actions that could impact his reappointment until the court delivers its final judgment.

Tensions between Prof. Boampong and the UCC Governing Council erupted after an alumnus filed a legal challenge questioning the Vice-Chancellor's reappointment.

The situation intensified when the Council Chairman attempted to terminate Prof. Boampong’s renewed two-year term, despite it having already been approved by the Council.

His term, which runs from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2026, faced abrupt cancellation through a letter issued on July 31, 2024.

This action drew sharp criticism from other members of the Council and the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), who described the Chairman’s move as "unlawful and unilateral."

UTAG emphasised that Prof. Boampong’s reappointment adhered to all statutory procedures of the university.

"Prof. Boampong’s reappointment followed due process and was lawful," UTAG said in a statement, condemning the Council Chairman’s attempt to derail the ongoing court proceedings.

The Cape Coast High Court had previously placed an interlocutory injunction on Prof. Boampong, temporarily barring him from serving as Vice-Chancellor.

However, the recent court ruling overturning that decision now allows him to remain in office while the case continues.