Navrongo youth group urges CK UTAS Governing Council to ensure fairness in recruitment process for VC and Registrar positions

The Governing Council of the CK Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CK UTAS) in Navrongo has been urged to ensure impartiality, fairness and the highest level of openness in the recruitment process to fill the Vice Chancellor and Registrar positions.

A concerned youth group in Navrongo which has made the call said it had become necessary following increasing reports of irregularities in the search and recruitment process.

The CK UTAS is recruiting qualified persons to fill the vacant positions following the removal of the previous occupants – Professor Eric Magnus Wilmot and Dr. Vincent Ankamah-Lomotey who served as the Vice Chancellor and Registrar, respectively – by the ruling of the Bolgatanga High Court in November 2023.

At a press conference held on Saturday (February 24), the group said the reports have raised concerns of bias and favoritism which have cast doubt about the fairness and transparency of the recruitment process.

Teddy John Kwolaga Adda, one of the convener said, “Today’s gathering is to address accusations surrounding the conduct of CKT UTAS’ Governing Council Chairman. Reports have surfaced outlining irregularities during the recruitment process for both Vice-Chancellor and Registrar positions, raising doubts about its fairness and transparency.

There are serious concerns regarding potential bias and favoritism in the recruitment process. Allegations suggest that corrections were permitted to be made to an applicant’s submission after the deadline, which would undoubtedly compromise the impartiality and equity of this procedure,”

The group said the said reported irregularities in the recruitment process indicated that the Governing Council was not complying with the established protocols of the University in the search, selection and recruitment process to fill the vacant positions.

The group, for instance, said one of the irregularities is that the Chairman of the of the Council had received applications from applicants on behalf of the search committee, which the chairman is not a member. This, the group said was in sharp contravention of the regulations and legislation of the University. In addition, the group said reports have also suggested that the chairman was in possession of email correspondence intended for the committee.

“Accusations have surfaced regarding the Chairman’s potential possession of email correspondence intended for the committee, despite not being a member. Although we are unable to verify these allegations, they do provoke valid concerns regarding compliance with established protocols and the segregation of responsibilities.”

“There have been insinuations that the Chairman may have accepted applications on behalf of the search committee, which runs counter to the regulations and legislation stipulated by the university.”

The group, which said their press conference had become necessary to draw the attention of authorities to the several allegations rising from the University’s entire recruitment process, has called on authorities to suspend the recruitment and ensure compliance with laid down procedures and standards.

Also, the group has advised against the unwarranted meddling by individual in the work of the search committee which has been tasked to do an independent job.

“Given the aforementioned allegations, we implore the Council to promptly cease the recruitment process and guarantee unwavering compliance with the stipulations delineated in the CKT UTAS Act and statutes. It is of utmost importance that this procedure be executed with impartiality, openness, and responsibility in order to preserve the institution’s credibility.

We advise against unwarranted meddling in the proceedings of the search committee and stress the significance of adhering to established procedures and protocols. Any measures taken must align with the university’s statutes and act, while taking into account principles of impartiality and proper procedure”.

On the effects the irregularities could have on the University’s reputation, the group said, “It is imperative that CKT UTAS maintains its position as a reputable institution of higher education by upholding elevated standards of governance and accountability. We implore all involved parties to act responsibly, keeping in mind what is best for the greater good of the university community,”

Mike Fm|Navrongo