The Vice Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Professor Mawutor Avoke, has expressed commitment of the University Management to consciously uphold the provisions of the Statutes of the institution, to promote fairness and equity.
He, therefore, urged all stakeholders to work hard in uniting and advancing the interest of the university, and also avoid the mistakes of the past.
To that end, he indicated the determination of management of the University to harness and manage all of its potential, and resources for the common benefit of all by bringing all members of the community.
Prof. Avoke was speaking at the Second Session of the 26th Congregation held at the North Campus of the University.
The week-long event which was climaxed on Saturday witnessed a total number of 10,314 students graduating with various degrees and diplomas.
The number comprises: 2,575 diploma students representing 24.97 per cent; 6, 887, bachelors degree representing 66.77 per cent and 852 postgraduate including nine Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) representing 8.26 per cent.
Prof. Avoke stated that the University had fully complied with the orders of the High Court at Winneba, to reinstate six senior officers of the University including himself, saying, “We have since assumed duty”.
He commended the Governing Council of the University for initiating a process of reconciliation and gave an assurance of the commitment of management to the process, explaining that there had been interactions with diverse interest groups.
Touching on those he said were transferred unjustifiably, Prof. Avoke indicated that management had so far succeeded in ensuring a reversal of such transfers back to their original place of work.
He stated that: “It is refreshing that almost all our staff who were transferred to Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AMMUSTED) are back with us and those transferred from UEW have also gone to AMUSTED”.
“Families living peacefully together were suddenly torn apart by unwarranted transfers such as a husband could be sent from Winneba to Kumasi or Ashanti Mampong leaving a wife and children behind; a hard to visit fortnightly to keep family together,” he said.
Prof. Avoke explained that, it was one of such visits that a young working staff of a bright future lost his life.
“It is our hope that never again should such ruthless treatment be meted out to staff of this institution” he stated
As part of measures in ensuring unity on campus, the Vice Chancellor said, he had interacted with various outfits and interest groups in the University and said he was committed towards promoting peace and reconciliation on campus.
The Chairman of the Governing Council of UEW, Nana Ofori Ansah I, in his address, explained that before the court order reinstating Prof Avoke and five other senior officers of the University, the Government of Ghana had rolled up a road map towards achieving a lasting peace at UEW.
“As part of the road map the Governing Council has set up a reconciliation committee which among other things receive petitions and other complaints and make the necessary recommendations towards achieving peace at the University of Education, Winneba” he said.
He alleged that some members of the university were trying to frustrate the peace process in the road map.
FROM DAVID O. YARBOI-TETTEH, WINNEBA
