KNUST statutes review sparks tensions as some UTAG members threaten strike

Tensions are escalating at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) as revisions to the university's statutes provoke conflict among the university community, with some University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) members warning of industrial action unless their concerns are addressed. The dissatisfaction stems from inadequate consultation, proposed changes to senior university officer selection, and provisions potentially concentrating more authority in the Vice-Chancellor's office.

Discussions suggest industrial action may be on the table if the university fails to address these issues. There is particular opposition to changes affecting the selection of Pro-Vice-Chancellors, Deans, and other senior academic officers. Some stakeholders want voting to continue, fearing that replacing it with appointments could transfer control over senior leadership positions to the university's central administration.

The distribution of power within the university is a central issue, with some arguing that elections provide a means for the university community to have a say in leadership appointments. Proponents of appointment-based systems claim that competitive searches and criteria-based appointments enable universities to select leaders with the necessary competencies to drive institutional priorities.

The proposed changes raise broader questions about the balance between executive authority and collegial participation. Additionally, some believe the proposed statutes could amplify the Vice-Chancellor's influence. The composition of the Academic Board is another source of contention, with UTAG representatives advocating for all Deans to be represented, while proposals under consideration would allow four Deans to serve on a rotational basis.

Critics argue that limiting the number of Deans could diminish the direct representation of academic units on one of the University's key decision-making bodies. Concerns have also been raised over provisions concerning the Director of Finance, University Librarian, and Director of University Information Technology Services, suggesting that these changes could impact the tenure or employment arrangements of certain officers without adequate consultation with unions and professional groups.

The controversy has been exacerbated by the release of a new draft of the statutes after approximately 15 months of work. Some sources claim that members of the university community were only given a week to submit comments before the deadline was extended to about eight weeks. The dispute ties into earlier efforts to develop the University's new Act and the statutes to bring them into effect.

Discussions revealed that a five-member committee, chaired by Professor John Tia Bugri, was formed in March 2025 to gather input from stakeholders across the university and refine the drafts for consideration by the Academic Board. However, allegations suggest that the Act proceeded to Parliament without sufficient stakeholder engagement.

The timing of the establishment of a second committee, chaired by Professor Bugri, before the extended deadline for stakeholder submissions has also been questioned. Some participants argue that stakeholder submissions were not thoroughly examined and that individuals and groups with substantial proposals were not invited to clarify their positions.

The management of KNUST and the committees involved must address these concerns to provide a comprehensive understanding of the process. Other potential areas of contention include proposals related to the E-Learning Centre, the Institute of Distance Learning, the School of Graduate Studies, and the Office of Grants and Research.

Those involved assert that significant institutional restructuring should be backed by clear academic, administrative, and financial justifications.