Director of Amnesty International Ghana, Robert Akoto Amoafo
Human rights organisation, Amnesty International Ghana has retracted an earlier statement in which the management of the University of Education, Winneba was accused of abusing the rights of some staff and students of the institution.
The statement titled, “Culture of Fear and Silence Brewing at the University of Education” which was read at a press briefing May 4, 2018, among other things, accused authorities of the UEW of constantly abusing the rights of lecturers and students to the extent of illegally evicting some officers of the university.
“We have been following happenings within the University of Education, Winneba since July 2017 and about three weeks ago started an investigation into the reported cases of victimisation, wrongful dismissal and intimidation. We are becoming concerned about the plethora of human rights violations – including a culture of silence where both staff and students were afraid to speak to Amnesty,” part of the May 4th statement reads.
Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Rev Afful Broni, at a different press conference, however, described Amnesty International’s accusations as “one-sided, mischievous and full of falsehood” meant to stain the image of the school.
Reacting to the earlier statement, Robert Akoto Amoafo, Director of Amnesty International Ghana says his outfit does not intend any malice against the institution but “to bring to light reported human rights issues that needed the attention of various stakeholders”.
Mr. Akoto, explained in a communiqué that the language and presentation used in the statement failed to fully meet the organisation’s internal procedural standards, hence, their decision to withdraw.
“Amnesty International Ghana wishes to state that our 4th May, 2018 Statement titled, “Culture of Fear and Silence Brewing at the University of Education” was only intended to bring to light reported human rights issues that needed the attention of various stakeholders.
We recognise that the statement in its language and presentation did not fully meet our internal procedural standards and therefore wish to withdraw on this basis. Amnesty International Ghana will continue to monitor the situation at UEW,” he stated.
