T' Poly bans religious associations on campus

Takoradi, Aug. 21, GNA - The Takoradi Polytechnic Council has with immediate effect, banned the various student Christian associations, fellowships and denominations from conducting their services and meetings on the school's campus.

Nana Dr. Samuel Obeng Apori, the Principal said on Monday that the decision stemmed from the fact that, the activities of these associations had become nuisance not only to the Polytechnic authorities but also to the student bodies.

He was briefing the Ghana News Agency on some of the measures being taken by the authorities to ensure discipline among students, provide the right atmosphere for teaching and learning and check the possible practices of occultism on campus.

"About 22 of such associations from orthodox through charismatic to Pentecostal church associations are operating in the school, while unspecified number of churches have applied to form branches in the school", he disclosed.

Nana Dr. Apori said more than 200 school chairs had been destroyed through the activities of these groups, who used loud speakers and other sophisticated musical instruments during odd times to disturb other students and lecturers.

While it was not the responsibility of the Polytechnic to provide a worshiping place for students, the authority had asked members of these associations to come together and use the school auditorium for their Saturdays' and Sundays' religious activities, he said.

Nana Dr. Apori however, warned that the use of the auditorium would be stopped, if furniture and other properties were damaged. Some students and their leaders however spoke against the decision by the school authority, describing it as "harsh and misplaced priority" that was against the fundamental human rights and freedom, as in the 1992 constitution.

Mr Hanief Keelson Snr, Legal and Disciplinary chairman argued that it was the responsibility of the Polytechnic authority to see to the spiritual, cultural and social well-being of the students. Mr Samuel Tawiah Stee, President of the Student Representative Council (SRC) said the council was part of the decision to ban the activities of these groups; many students did not take kindly to it when the message was carried to them.

He said the SRC would communicate the reaction of the students to the Polytechnic authorities and hoped the two bodies would arrive at a compromise.

Mr Leonard Botchway, chairman of the chaplainry board of the school said the decision is unpopular and told the GNA "It will marvel you to know how many students are becoming wayward, because they can not hear the word of God being preached on campus".