Professor Rita Akosua Dickson is the Vice Chancellor of KNUST
The High Court has dismissed an injunction filed by an alumnus of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) aimed at halting the extension of Vice Chancellor Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson's term.
The court determined that the injunction lacked merit and questioned the applicant’s legitimacy as an alumnus.
The presiding judge pointed out that the applicant could not adequately prove his status as an alumnus while presenting purported university statutes.
As a result, the court ordered the applicant to pay a cost of GHS 9,000.
Unhappy with the ruling, the applicant quickly filed another suit to overturn the court’s decision, stating, “I’m dissatisfied with the ruling of the court.”
A confrontation occurred when the bailiff attempted to serve the university lawyers with the new suit, as they demanded formal service to the university.
Dr. Noris Bekoe, University Relations Officer of KNUST, expressed satisfaction with the court's decision and called for a peaceful resolution of any ongoing disputes.
“We are very happy about the outcome of what happened today; it gives us relief, and the university can proceed peacefully. It means the vice chancellor can take office on August 1 and continue to work,” he said.
He added, “The entire university was in court; it’s a big relief for us that this matter has been put to rest. We want to thank the university community for their patience. I want to ask for restraint; let cool heads prevail. All aggrieved persons should come to the university; we’re ready to listen.”
Meanwhile, another injunction has been filed by a store superintendent at the KNUST against the recent extension of the Vice-Chancellor's tenure.
Isaac Mensah, who has dedicated 26 years to the university, argues that the decision to extend the Vice-Chancellor's term is fraught with “illegality and procedural impropriety” and is seeking to have it overturned.
Mr. Mensah claims that the governing council’s decision contravenes university statutes and could unfairly prevent other qualified candidates from vying for the Vice-Chancellor position.
He argues that allowing the extension would undermine institutional regulations and deny opportunities to potential successors.
