Open letter to the chief of staff

OPEN LETTER TO THE CHIEF OF STAFF : FROM THE CONCERN STUDENTS OF KOFORIDUA POLYTECHNIC (CSKA)

THE CHIEF OF STAFF

FLAGSTAFF HOUSE

ACCRA – GHANA

Dear Sir,

PETITION: AGAINST LEVYING STUDENTS GH191 TO DEFRAY UTILITY COSTS.

We the Concern Students of Koforidua Polytechnic here in CSKP write to your outfit to seek your intervention in the happenings on our campus. Management of our institution has levied each student GhC191 to defray utility bills owed by the institution. This condition has become a prerequisite for students registration come the second semester starting from 15th February, 2016 which therefore means students who default would not be registered.

Our engagement with the school's management reveals that utility companies have ever since the beginning of this academic year pestered the school to offset utility bills owed by the school or risk a disconnection. This explanation according to management forms the basis of its decision to shoot down the throats of students charges for utility.

The above explanation is quite curious and raises a lot of questions that beg for answers. The curiosity emanates from the fact that as a matter of public opinion, government has severally reaffirmed its position to pay for utility bills in tertiary institutions. As far as we (CSKP) are concerned, government has not amended its earlier position but has rather amplified its position on the said matter through the Ministry of Education. It is therefore intriguing when management justifies its position with the excuse earlier on stated.

Can it be said that, management is not apprised with the decision of government or management is egregiously defying government's directives or management is only visiting its spleen on innocent students as a result of government's failure to fulfill its obligation? What is the true state of affairs on the matter? Our interaction with the Ministry of Education in our frantic efforts to resolve the issue did not look promising.

Whatever the situation may be, the consequences of this move by management cannot be overemphasized. This decision is one that deepens the already existing financial woes in which students find themselves. Students are gaping to cope with the current financial commitments involved in schooling and cannot stand the shocks of such a thorny policy hence our resolve to petition your high office. This decision if not reversed, smacks discrimination and selective implementation of government policies targeted at equally benefitting all.

We are by this petition imploring your high office to intervene and put matters to rest by any means necessary. We still hold on fast to government's position to pay for utilities consumed by students. It is our fervent hope that you shall act with alacrity to reverse this unpalatable decision of our school management to obviate likely upheavals on campus whiles in similar vein increasing students trust and confidence in government.

Thank you.

Prince Awuku

0203553914

Convener

Bobbie Ansah

0238211209

Member

Mbima Samuel

0207389493

Member

Simon Okyere

0246994153

Member

Osei Gordon

0240409785

Member