The Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU) has called on the new government to address what it describes as the abuse of public universities’ governing councils by those in charge.

In a New Year message issued on Tuesday, January 14, by the union’s General Secretary, Brother King James Azortibah, he alleged that some management officers at various public universities have been violating the laws governing the establishment of boards and councils in these institutions.

“The statutes and acts establishing public universities are clear on the composition of the governing councils, particularly with regard to TEWU of TUC (Ghana) representation. However, in recent times, some senior management officers at public universities have blatantly violated the provisions concerning the governing councils, particularly in cases involving TEWU of TUC (Ghana) representatives,” Azortibah stated.

The union stressed that such actions are detrimental to its progress and only lead to the formation of splinter unions. “The agenda of some institutional heads in public universities is geared towards promoting the formation of splinter unions, under the guise of freedom of association and a pluralist labour environment. These actions are a clear violation of the labour law,” he added.

Despite efforts to address these issues, Mr Azortibah claimed that top officials have ignored the concerns raised and continued to engage in what he called illegal actions. “Even when attention has been drawn to such abuses, the top management officers continue to engage in the illegal practice of trying to appoint people other than TEWU of TUC (Ghana) representatives to the councils. TEWU of TUC (Ghana) expects the new government to denounce these actions and urge the relevant state agencies to hold such officers accountable,” he said.

The union has called on the new government to promote “constructive dialogue and engagement” as the foundation for labour-government relations. Mr Azortibah also urged union members to remain steadfast in their service delivery despite the challenges.