The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has expressed its disappointment with the government’s decision to resubmit the rejected Public Universities Bill (PUB) to Parliament for consideration during the 8th session. UTAG has observed the government’s persistence in pushing forward with this controversial bill, despite widespread rejection from the university community and the higher education sector. They are particularly dismayed by the lack of consultation or engagement with UTAG, who are the primary stakeholders and beneficiaries of such legislation.
Parliament resumed sitting yesterday, February 6, after a short break. The First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 8th Parliament was set to begin promptly at 10:00 am. A total of 82 bills were expected to be presented to the House during this meeting, including the Aged Persons Bill, 2023, Advertising Council Bill, 2023, Consumer Protection Bill, 2023, Public University Bill, and the Ghana Road Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2023. In addition, the House worked on twelve bills that were currently at the committee level.
Among these bills were the Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Bill, 2023 (Committee on Gender and Children) and the Social Protection Bill, 2023 (Committee on Gender and Children). Furthermore, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (Amendment) Bill, 2021, and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which are private member’s bills, will be addressed before the House goes on recess ahead of the general elections.
In a statement, UTAG vehemently opposed the passage of the PUB in its current form and demanded its immediate withdrawal from Parliament. They expressed their concern over the lack of consultation with UTAG and the disregard for the concerns of the university community, which they believed demonstrated a lack of respect for the principles of shared governance and academic freedom. As stakeholders committed to advance higher education in Ghana, UTAG urged the government to reconsider its approach and engage in meaningful dialogue with UTAG and other relevant stakeholders, including Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG).
UTAG emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts that respect the voices and expertise of all stakeholders in safeguarding the autonomy and integrity of public universities. They remained committed to advocating for policies that uphold the values of academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and quality education for all.
About The Author
