Gyampo, Butakor verdict smells of political meddling, interference – ASEPA

The Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA), has accused the University of Ghana of pronouncing verdict on some two lecturers of the institution, under political influence.

Prof. Ransford Gyampo and Dr. Paul Butakor were suspended by the University’s Disciplinary Committee after investigations were conducted into some allegations of sex-for-grades, levelled against both lecturers.

They among other things are to serve their suspension without pay for 6 months and 4 months respectively.

Varied reactions have since welcomed the University’s decision. Adding their voice, ASEPA called for a review of the sanctions, noting that the Disciplinary Committee, breached a number of fundamental principles of Natural Justice.

In a statement, the alliance noted that the University, despite having communicated their decision to respondents about three weeks ago, failed to publish the decision until a time like this when the subject of galamsey is making the headlines, with government taking a fall for its failure to fight the menace.

They deem the move as one, aimed at diverting attention from the subject, whilst also maintaining that the withdrawal of their basic salary is a breach of the University’s Code of Conduct.

They also noted that the University failed to make a pronouncement on the subject of the expose and the hearing which was ‘allegations of sex for grades’ and violated Section 69 (2a) of the Labor Act of Ghana, Act 651 which makes unlawful their decision to suspend them without pay.

ASEPA therefore called for a re-issue of a comminique, stating among other things, that the University did not find these lecturers guilty of sex-for-grades but misconduct, contrary to the University’s statutes.

They also are pushing for a restoration of the basic salaries of these lecturers throughout the remaining period of their sanctions.

Read the full statement below: