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Tag: Ben Minicucci

  • Embattled UCC VC granted stay of execution

    Embattled UCC VC granted stay of execution

    Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, has been reinstated to his role following a ruling by the Cape Coast High Court, which granted a stay of execution on an earlier injunction.

    This prior injunction had temporarily prevented him from performing his official duties.

    Additionally, the court has issued an interlocutory injunction against the University, its Governing Council, and its Chairman, preventing them from discussing or making decisions about the Vice-Chancellor’s removal.

    The injunction also stops the university from taking any actions that could influence his reappointment until a final court ruling is made.

    This ruling comes in the midst of a heated dispute between Prof. Boampong and the UCC Council Chairman over the extension of his term.

    The conflict began when a UCC alumnus filed a legal challenge to Prof. Boampong’s reappointment. Tensions escalated on July 31, 2024, when the UCC Council Chairman attempted to terminate his renewed two-year term, set to run from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2026, despite its prior approval by the Council.

    The Chairman’s action met with significant opposition from Council members and the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), who labeled it unlawful and a unilateral move.

    UTAG argued that Prof. Boampong’s reappointment followed due process according to the university’s statutes and that the Chairman’s letter interfered with an ongoing court case.
    Legal Developments

    Initially, the Cape Coast High Court had imposed an interlocutory injunction, barring Prof. Boampong from his Vice-Chancellor duties. However, the court’s recent decision to grant a stay of execution allows him to resume his position while the case is still being heard. This ruling temporarily resolves leadership uncertainties within the university.
    UTAG’s Response

    UTAG has voiced strong support for Prof. Boampong, insisting that his reappointment followed legal procedures and should not be reversed. They have called for the Council Chairman’s letter to be retracted and for the government to review his appointment. In their statement, UTAG urged calm among university staff and assured them that the institution’s governance would remain lawful and free from external influence.
    Conclusion

    The court’s decision to grant Prof. Boampong a stay of execution is a crucial development in the ongoing leadership dispute at UCC. It provides temporary relief, allowing him to continue in his role as the case proceeds, with potential wide-ranging implications for the university’s governance.

  • UCC governing council chairman must be removed – NPP PC to Akufo-Addo

    UCC governing council chairman must be removed – NPP PC to Akufo-Addo

    The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for Cape Coast North, Horace Ekow Ewusi, has petitioned President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to remove Professor Harold S. Amonoo-Kuofi from his position as chairman of the University of Cape Coast governing council.

    In his petition, Ewusi argues that Prof. Amonoo-Kuofi’s actions are disrupting the university’s operations, necessitating his removal for the institution’s benefit. He claims that the chairman is pursuing a personal agenda detrimental to the university’s management.

    “I humbly write to bring to your attention the disturbing conduct of the Chairperson of the Governing Council of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof. Harold S. Amonoo-Kuofi, which is affecting the smooth running of the University and further petition your high office to investigate same and further humbly request for his removal.

    “This request is being made as a final resort after numerous efforts by the eminent of the community, including myself to request him to conduct himself as a seasoned statesman and responsible Chairperson of a highly esteemed institution as the University of Cape Coast has proved futile. Although the Chairman may be seen as a party person and professional, his conduct clearly demonstrates that he is seeking a personal agenda than the one that he was brought in for which is the collective interest of the University thereby affecting our chances of winning the seat,” portions of the petition read.

    Mr Ewusi criticized the chairman of autocratic decision-making, lacking a fundamental understanding of corporate governance, and acting as an executive chairman by making unilateral decisions without consulting the University Council members.

    “He has repeatedly taken it upon himself to make unilateral decisions, including solely responding to a petition on an advertisement without seeking input from other members of the Governing Council. Additionally, he has clashed with two major unions (UTAG and GAUA), the convocation and the Board of convocation of the University. Attached as Appendix 1 to 3 are copies of the responses written by Prof. Harold Amonoo-Koufi to these bodies.”

    Furthermore, Mr Ewusi accused Prof. Amonoo-Kuofi of consistently targeting the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, creating significant tension and division within the university community.

    “Faculty and staff of the University, who form the base of our party, have expressed concerns about the sudden turn of events since Prof. Harold Amanoo-Kuofi assumed office and the potential impact this has on the University’s reputation.”

    On August 2, Prof. Amonoo-Kuofi issued a notice announcing the termination of Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong’s appointment as Vice-Chancellor of UCC.

  • Reinstate Prof Johnson Nyarko Boampong as UCC VC – UTAG-UCC to management

    Reinstate Prof Johnson Nyarko Boampong as UCC VC – UTAG-UCC to management

    The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG-UCC) at the University of Cape Coast has criticized the University Council’s decision to terminate Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong’s appointment as Vice-Chancellor.

    UTAG-UCC argues that the Council Chair’s action is unilateral and invalid, as it conflicts with ongoing court proceedings that have restrained the Council from making such a decision.

    “The letter from the Council Chair dated 31st July 2024, stating the termination of the Vice-Chancellor’s
    renewed term, is improper and without merit. The claims that the renewal breaches the University’s Statutes and the Constitution are unfounded.

    “The renewal was conducted with full consideration of all legal and statutory requirements. On this basis, the action of the Council Chair is arbitrary, capricious, and devoid of any legal justification. We reject it outrightly.”

    The association contends that the renewal of Prof. Boampong’s term was conducted in full compliance with legal and statutory requirements. They describe the Council Chair’s actions as arbitrary, unjustified, and harmful to the university’s governance.

    UTAG-UCC has called for the withdrawal of the termination letter, accusing the Chair of acting in bad faith and making unilateral decisions detrimental to the university’s governance.

    The association has urged the government to remove the Chairman from his position and assured the university community that it will closely monitor the situation and take necessary steps to safeguard the institution’s integrity and the rights of its members.

    UTAG-UCC stresses the importance of adhering to legal and statutory frameworks, warning that any deviation from these standards will be met with resistance to ensure justice and fairness.

    Read below the statement

  • I will ban mining in forest reserves – Mahama

    I will ban mining in forest reserves – Mahama

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, has promised to halt all mining activities in forest reserves if he wins the December 7 election.

    Mahama criticized the practice of mining in these protected areas, emphasizing the need to preserve Ghana’s forests.

    In a recent address to chiefs and elders in the Central Region, he underlined that these forests, some containing trees as old as 700 years, must be protected for future generations.

    “We are going to stop all mining in forest reserves. Some of those trees existed when our ancestors were here. Some of those trees are 700 years old in those forest reserves. And our ancestors didn’t cut them. Our ancestors left them for us.

    “We are going to cut them and what are we going to leave for our children? Savannah, desertification, destroyed environment. And so we must preserve the forest. Yes, it is attractive to get as much gold as we can but that is like cutting your nose to spite your face.”

  • UCC VC has not been sacked – Management

    UCC VC has not been sacked – Management

    The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has refuted claims that Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong’s appointment as Vice-Chancellor has been terminated.

    A letter allegedly signed by Prof. Harold S. Amonoo-Kuofi, Chairman of the University Council, suggested that Prof. Boampong’s tenure had ended.

    However, UCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Major Kofi Baah-Bentum, clarified in a statement on Thursday that the University Council has not met to make any decisions regarding the Vice-Chancellor’s position. T

    he most recent Council meeting on July 30, 2024, did not address this matter.

    UCC is advising the university community and the public to disregard the termination notice.

    “Council has not met to discuss or take such a decision and that, at its last meeting held on Tuesday, 30th July 2024, records available indicate that matters discussed and decided upon did not include the Vice-Chancellor’s tenure.

    “The University community and the general public are, therefore, entreated to disregard the publication.”

  • UCC Vice-Chancellor sacked

    UCC Vice-Chancellor sacked

    The Governing Council of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has removed Professor Johnson Nyarko Boampong’s from his position as Vice-Chancellor.

    Appointed in June 2020 for a four-year term starting August 2020, Prof. Boampong’s tenure officially concluded on July 31, 2024.

    Despite an earlier claim of a two-year extension to his term, the Governing Council has declared this extension null and void, according to citinewsroom.com.

    In a statement signed by UCC’s Governing Council Chairman, Professor Harold S. Amonoo-Kuofi, it stated “Please note that the purported renewal/extension of your appointment as Vice-Chancellor at the Council’s meeting on the 28th of July 2023, for a term of two (2) years effective 1st August 2024, is void and consequently same is revoked as it breaches the University’s Statutes on renewal of appointment of the Vice-Chancellor.”

    The notice further explained that while extensions to Prof. Boampong’s appointment are permissible, no official extension decision has been made.

    “While your appointment may be extended by 2 years at a time up to a maximum of 5 years beyond your retirement age by contract, as provided in Article 199 clause (4) above, there has not yet been any such contractual extension, and such extension is applicable only to your appointment as a member of the University in general, but not applicable to your position as the Vice-Chancellor, since the University’s Statutes has placed a limit on same in Statute 8.2.”

    Prof. Boampong has been encouraged to submit a formal application if he wishes to continue in his role.

    “You may, however, apply to Council for its consideration in line with laid down procedure for the purpose of renewing your term as Vice-Chancellor for a period not exceeding your retirement age and which does not breach the Constitution and the University’s Statutes,” he is reported to have stated.

  • 171 Boeings grounded by US regulators due Alaska Airlines jet incident

    171 Boeings grounded by US regulators due Alaska Airlines jet incident

    The US government has told some Boeing 737 Max 9 planes to stop flying because a part fell off one during a flight.

    The FAA has said it will inspect 171 planes.

    On Friday, an Alaska Airlines plane had to land suddenly after taking off from Oregon.

    United Airlines checked some of its 79 Boeing 737 Max 9 planes as required by the FAA.

    The airline said that taking some airplanes out of service was going to make about 60 flights canceled on Saturday.

    Before, the FAA said it would “force certain Boeing 737 Max 9 planes used by US airlines or in US territory to stop flying for a while”.

    They said that each aircraft needs to be inspected for about four to eight hours.

    Turkish Airlines has called back five planes to make sure they are safe.

    On Friday, the Alaska Airlines flight from Portland, Oregon to Ontario, California, was at 16,000 feet (4,876 meters) when it started to quickly descend because of an emergency.

    The plane landed safely in Portland with 177 passengers and crew on board.

    The person in charge of the National Transportation Safety Board said on Saturday that no one was sitting next to the part of the transport being looked at.

    “We are very lucky that this didn’t turn into something more sad,” Jennifer Homendy said.

    She said the door that came off the plane might be in Cedar Hills, Portland. She asked anyone who finds it to call the police.

    At the same time, the Civil Aviation Authority in the UK said there were no 737 Max 9 planes registered there.

    “We have sent letters to airlines from other countries asking if they have done safety checks before flying in UK airspace,” a message said on X, which used to be called Twitter.

    Pictures sent to news sources of the damaged area showed the night sky visible through a hole in the airplane, with insulation material and other stuff also visible.

    The reason for the building problem is not known yet, and no one got hurt.

    Evan Smith, who was on the plane, heard a loud bang and air masks came down from the ceiling.

    “They said a kid’s shirt was pulled off and blown out of the plane, but his mother held onto him so he wouldn’t go with it. ”

    In a recording, the pilot asks air traffic control to change course.

    “We need help right away,” she said. “We need to go back because we are losing pressure. ”

    Based on pictures, the damaged area was at the back of the plane, behind the wing and engines.

    The part of the airplane body that was damaged could be used as an extra emergency exit by some airlines, but not by Alaska.

    Terry Tozer, who used to be a pilot, said that the part should have been fastened in place if it wasn’t being used as an emergency exit.

    He said to BBC News that the passengers wouldn’t have known it wasn’t a real window from inside the plane.

    If this part had been lost, it may not have changed how the plane flew, but it would have been very dangerous for anyone sitting close by.

    Alaska Airlines’ CEO Ben Minicucci said that 65 planes will be kept on the ground for now. They will only fly again after they have been checked and fixed to make sure they are safe.

    A recent update mentioned that over 25% of those planes were checked and they are safe to fly because no problems were found.

    Boeing said it agreed with the FAA’s choice. and was working with the National Transportation Safety Board to understand what happened with Alaska Airlines.

    “We care a lot about safety and we feel really sorry for how this event has affected our customers and their passengers,” Boeing said.

    This is the newest issue with Boeing’s most popular airplane. It was not allowed to fly for nearly two years after crashes in 2018 and 2019.