T'Poly SRC apologises for disturbances

Takoradi, June 29, GNA - The Students Representative Council (SRC) of Takoradi Polytechnic has apologised to the innocent students, school management, residents of Effiakuma new site, the Polytechnic Council and the police for the disturbances that led to its closure on June 1, this year.

Mr Ralph R. Robertson, SRC President rendered the apology at a press conference held at the polytechnic on Thursday. He said series of meetings had been held to solve some of the problems confronting the polytechnic adding, "it was unfortunate that, we could not reach an amicable solution".

Mr Robertson appealed to all students to report on Tuesday, July 3 to begin preparations for their examinations on July 9. He said it would be unfortunate when the students refused to write their end of semester examinations adding, "our future lies in our own hands and we must not allow anyone to misinform us and ruin our future." Mr Robertson said the Polytechnic Council had agreed to refund and credit all outstanding monies to the SRC and the JCR. He announced that no submissions had been made on fees for the 2007/2008 academic year and pledged that the SRC would scrutinise it and students would receive itemised bills.

Mr Robertson noted that though the students accused him of supporting management, his duty was to study and represent the entire student body and would not abandon them. He said no student would be victimised by the management or the security personnel on campus.

It would be re-called that students of Takoradi Polytechnic led by executives of Ghana National Union of Polytechnic Students (GNUPS) declared an indefinite boycott of academic work with effect from Thursday May 31.

They also called for the immediate dismissal of the Principal, Dr. Samuel Obeng-Apori and accused him of "being incompetent, arrogant and autocratic".

GNUPS in a statement said the boycott was in solidarity with the students and would assist them to boycott an impending examinations scheduled for June 1.

The polytechnic has since been closed down and a joint police and military personnel are on guard. 29 June 07