By Benjamin A. Commey, GNA
Accra, March 4, GNA – Professor Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa has filed a suit at the High Court in Accra, challenging what he describes as his “unlawful” removal as Vice-Chancellor of the Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU).
In a statement of claim filed on March 4, 2026, Prof Afoakwa is seeking a declaration that the purported termination of his appointment was “a nullity for want of due process” and that he remained the substantive Vice-Chancellor under an unexpired contract running until February 28, 2029.
He is also asking the court to restrain the University and its governing authorities from interfering with his duties pending the final determination of the case, in addition to damages for distress, humiliation and alleged breach of his fundamental human rights.
Prof. Afoakwa contended that he was not notified of any breach of his contract and was never invited to respond to any allegations before being directed to cease holding office.
He argued that letters dated February 3 and February 26, 2026, informed him that his contract would end on February 28, 2026, and that another officer had assumed the role of Vice-Chancellor.
The plaintiff maintained that the decision violated provisions on fair hearing under the GCTU Act, 2020 (Act 1022), as well as Article 19(13) of the 1992 Constitution.
“The arbitrary exercise of discretionary power… without hearing the Plaintiff… is simply unlawful,” the statement of claim read.
He also asserted that the failure to follow laid-down procedures rendered the termination “a nullity and of no legal effect.”
Court documents indicate that Prof. Afoakwa was initially appointed Vice-Chancellor, effective March 1, 2021, to February 28, 2025.
He claimed that by a letter dated August 20, 2024, the University extended his appointment for a further four-year term from March 1, 2025, to February 28, 2029, which he accepted on August 31, 2024.
The suit insisted that the contract remained valid and binding.
Meanwhile, a letter signed by Divine Kpetigo, Chairman of the GCTU Governing Council, referenced the “cessation of office” of the Vice-Chancellor effective February 28, 2026.
The letter appointed Professor Ebenezer Malcolm, in his capacity as Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor, to exercise the functions of the Vice-Chancellor in an acting capacity with immediate effect pending further directive from the Council.
He was tasked to provide overall leadership and strategic supervision of the university and to ensure continuity of governance, institutional stability and operational effectiveness.
However, Prof. Afoakwa is asking the court to declare that the acting appointment was invalid on grounds that he had not been lawfully removed from office.
Among the reliefs sought are a declaration that his removal was unlawful and void; an order restraining the defendants from interfering with his employment; and a declaration that he remains the Vice-Chancellor of GCTU.
He is also seeking damages for alleged breach of contract and violation of his fundamental human rights; and costs of the action, including counsel’s fees.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe