There are indications that the Casley Hayford Hall of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) would remain closed till the end of the semester. The Hall popularly called CASFORD, was closed about two weeks ago and the students ordered to vacate the Hall following violent clashes between students resident in the hall and those of the Atlantic Hall. The students are however allowed to continue with academic work. The clashes were characterized by stone throwing between residents of the two halls and the alleged kidnapping of one student of CASFORD who claims he was stripped and assaulted. The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has appealed to the University authorities on behalf of the students asking that they should be allowed back into the Hall to prepare for the approaching semester examinations. The NUGS also described the decision to close the Hall as harsh. Speaking to Joy News, the NUGS president Mr. Kweku Tuoho Bombason said the conflict that necessitated the closure of the Hall involved two Halls but only one Hall was being punished. He added also that it is not possible that all the over 2000 students in the Hall were involved in the disturbances. NUGS also appealed to the students to render an apology to the University, but they have declined, claiming there was nothing to apologise for. Abubakari Tamim, the SRC representative of the Hall told Joy News that they have done nothing wrong and therefore, see no point in apologising. He also said the authorities are demanding that they point out the perpetrators of the disturbances so they face the law, but they have refused to do so. Vice President of the Hall, Frank Fredua Mensah also speaking to Joy News said they condemn the act, describing it as “not the best in this technological world,” but made it clear that they have done nothing wrong to warrant an apology. He added however that, they have already apologised to the University, citing statements that have been put out by Alumni of the Hall apologising on behalf of the Hall. He said the Executives of the Hall have also issued statements in which they have already apologised to the authorities. Meanwhile, the Public Affairs Director of the University, Mr. Jeff Nyame told Joy News that the Hall will not be opened anytime soon. He said the Hall was closed to allow the committee sitting on the matter to submit its report. He said after the committee’s report, which is expected by April 24, 2008, if it becomes necessary to reopen the Hall, it will be done, but before then, he is not sure when the Hall will be reopened. He also cited a document that the students are circulating on the campus claiming that they owe no one an apology. By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi