Petitioner faults KsTU Council over handling of vice-chancellor qualification probe

A petitioner has raised serious concerns over the handling of an investigation into the academic qualifications of the Vice-Chancellor of Kumasi Technical University (KsTU), accusing the University Council of procedural lapses, lack of transparency and failure to uphold established governance standards.

In a letter dated December 19, 2025, addressed to the Chairman of the University Council, Nana Yaw Acheampong alleged that the vice-chancellor obtained a doctoral degree from an unrecognised institution, a matter he says strikes at the core of academic integrity and leadership credibility at the university.

According to the petitioner, despite submitting an initial request on December 9, 2025, the coouncil has failed to formally acknowledge receipt of the petition or communicate directly with him regarding actions taken.

He said he only became aware of developments after independently coming across a press release issued by the university announcing the formation of an investigative committee.

Acheampong described the failure to formally notify or copy him on key decisions as a breach of administrative courtesy and good governance, stressing that as the initiator of the complaint, he has a legitimate interest in being informed of the process.

He further criticised the decision to allow the vice-chancellor to remain in office while investigations are ongoing, noting that the allegation under review relates directly to academic credibility.

“This stands in sharp contrast to practices adopted by other reputable universities in Ghana and the Commonwealth, where chief executives facing similar integrity-related investigations are often asked to step aside to protect the institution and the integrity of the process,” the letter stated.

The petitioner also referenced directives issued by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), pointing out that some technical universities, including Takoradi Technical University, have complied fully with such directives, while KsTU’s posture, he argued, raises governance concerns.

He warned that the council’s approach risks creating a public perception that the vice-chancellor is being protected, a situation he said could undermine staff and student morale and erode public confidence in the university’s leadership.

As part of his demands, Acheampong called on the council to formally acknowledge his petition, disclose the full terms of reference and composition of the investigative committee, establish a transparent communication protocol for updates, and require the Vice-Chancellor to step aside pending the outcome of the investigation.

Copies of the letter were sent to the Minister of Education, the Director-General of GTEC, members of the KsTU Governing Council and various media houses.

The University Council is yet to publicly respond to the concerns raised.