Former President Jerry John Rawlings is the latest to wade into the controversy about who heads the University of Education, Winneba, (UEW).

He wants government to pay attention to the case involving the dismissal of former Vice-Chancellor Mawutor Avoke.

Speaking at the 38^th celebrations of the December 31, Revolution at Winneba Tuesday, Mr Rawlings said the current Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Prof. Anthony Afful-Bron should be made to step down as investigations on the matter continue.

“I intend to be brief but it will be unfair to conclude without touching on the case relating to social injustice and violation of the rights of some University of Education, Winneba staff by the Abeka-led council.     “First of all, I commend the government for their prompt intervention by laying a roadmap for the peaceful resolution of the matter after I expressed my initial concerns.

“From the records of EOCO and other state agencies the affected individuals were exonerated as there was no evidence of misconduct established against them. Ironically the current Vice-Chancellor who was indicted in the same report still remains at post,” he said.

The former Vice-Chancellor and four other officials were dismissed following an emergency meeting, prompting an EOCO probe.

The anti-graft agency concluded its probe and found among other things, that Prof Avoke did not abuse his office nor breach procurement laws.

“Notwithstanding the effort of government towards immediate resolution, no significant progress has been made after more than three months. More than 20 dismissed staff at the UEW are going through discontent and pain. “I hope this important matter is given the urgency and attention that is required. I understand there are investigations ongoing regarding the current Vice-Chancellor. “It will be appropriate for the Council to request that he steps aside for fairness to prevail as has been the practice with other similar circumstances in the past,” he said.