There has been controversy over the reappointment of Professor Rita Akosua Dickson as Vice Chancellor of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). A petitioner has filed charges of contempt of court against multiple university administrators, turning the situation into a judicial fight. In his appeal, Clement Ohene Asare challenges the institution for what he claims are deliberate measures obstructing the administration of justice, especially in light of the ongoing legal battle over Professor Dickson’s reappointment.
Clement Ohene Asare’s legal challenge focuses on the actions of Professor Rita Akosua Dickson, who continues to serve as the Vice Chancellor of KNUST despite the ongoing court case that questions the legitimacy of her reappointment. According to Asare, Professor Dickson’s continued role as Vice Chancellor is a blatant disregard for the authority of the court, especially given that there is a pending application seeking to nullify her reappointment.
Professor Dickson’s reappointment has been clouded by legal challenges that have questioned the fairness and transparency of the selection process. The controversy surrounding her reappointment stems from concerns raised by certain stakeholders, including the petitioner, regarding the process and legitimacy of her renewal. Her initial appointment as Vice Chancellor was significant, as she became the first female to hold this prestigious position at KNUST.
Asare is requesting an order to hold multiple university administrators accountable for contempt in his most recent legal action. He contends that these officials—Professor Dickson among them—have deliberately diminished the authority of the court by their actions. Three people are named in Asare’s petition as responders: A.K. Boateng, the university registrar; Kwasi Anin-Yeboah, the chairman of the university council; and Professor Rita Akosua Dickson.
Asare accuses these officials of allowing Professor Dickson to continue serving as Vice Chancellor, thereby bringing the administration of justice into disrepute. He contends that their actions are a deliberate attempt to sidestep the ongoing legal process and maintain Professor Dickson in her position despite the unresolved legal challenges.
Professor Dickson’s tenure as Vice Chancellor was officially set to end on July 31, 2024. However, the ongoing legal battle has complicated the situation, with the petitioner arguing that her continued role as Vice Chancellor is not only inappropriate but also a direct challenge to the legal process currently underway.
The controversy reached a new level of intensity following the High Court’s decision to dismiss Mr. Asare’s original case on July 30. The court ruled that the suit lacked merit and that Asare, as an alumnus of KNUST, did not have the legal standing to challenge the reappointment. This decision did not sit well with the petitioner, who has since taken his case to the Court of Appeal.
The Court of Appeal has scheduled a hearing for September 4 to consider Asare’s appeal against the Kumasi High Court’s decision. The outcome of this hearing could have significant implications for the future leadership of KNUST and for the broader issue of university governance in Ghana.
The respondents, on the other hand, maintain that their actions are in line with the rules and regulations governing the university. They argue that Professor Dickson’s continued role as Vice Chancellor is justified and that the legal challenge lacks substance. The university’s leadership has expressed confidence in the legitimacy of the reappointment process and has vowed to defend its actions in court.
