The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, has been given the green light to resume his duties following a Cape Coast High Court decision to grant a stay of execution on an earlier injunction that had temporarily barred him from acting in his official capacity.

Alongside this, the court has issued an order for an interlocutory injunction against the University, its Governing Council, and the Chairman of the Council, prohibiting them from discussing or making decisions related to his removal.

The ruling also restrains the university from taking any action that could affect his reappointment until the court reaches a final decision on the matter.

The decision of the court comes amid heightened tension between the Vice-Chancellor and the UCC Council Chairman as both parties face off in court over the renewal of his tenure.

Background to the dispute

The conflict began after an alumnus of the university filed a case challenging the Vice-Chancellor's reappointment. The situation escalated further when, on July 31, 2024, the UCC Council Chairman issued a letter attempting to terminate Prof. Boampong’s renewed two-year term, which had already been approved by the Council to run from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2026.

The move sparked strong opposition from other Council members and the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), who described the Chairman’s actions as unlawful and unilateral.

UTAG emphasized that Prof. Boampong’s reappointment followed proper procedures as outlined in the university’s statutes, and the Chairman’s letter interfered with ongoing court proceedings, further fueling the controversy.

Court Rulings

Earlier, the Cape Coast High Court had issued an interlocutory injunction that prevented Prof. Boampong from continuing in his role as Vice-Chancellor. However, the recent ruling granting him a stay of execution has overturned that decision, allowing him to maintain his position while the legal processes unfold.

This development comes as a relief to UCC leadership, which has been facing internal strife over governance issues in recent weeks. The court’s ruling temporarily stabilizes the leadership situation at the university, ensuring that Prof. Boampong remains in office for now.

UTAG’s Position and Calls for Calm

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has expressed strong support for Prof. Boampong, stating in a press release that his reappointment was lawful and that any attempts to reverse it should be disregarded. The association has called for the withdrawal of the Council Chairman’s letter and urged the government to review his appointment to avoid further unrest within the UCC community.

In its statement, UTAG urged members of the university to remain calm, assuring them that they will continue to advocate for the institution’s governance to remain within the bounds of its legal framework without external interference.

Conclusion

The Cape Coast High Court’s decision to grant a stay of execution marks a significant moment in the leadership dispute at the University of Cape Coast.

The ruling provides temporary relief for Prof. Boampong, allowing him to continue in office while the court deliberates on the broader issues at play.

As the legal proceedings move forward, the outcome will have far-reaching implications for university governance and the balance of power within UCC. All eyes will remain on this case as it progresses.