The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), University of Cape Coast (UCC) chapter, has given the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) a strict 48-hour deadline to withdraw its recent sanctions against the university.

The ultimatum, issued by UTAG-UCC Secretary Dr Isaac Boabeng, comes in response to GTEC’s decision to suspend all government-related support and services to UCC and label the institution as “non-existent” on its official portal.

The Commission claims the sanctions were triggered by UCC’s failure to comply with directives concerning the tenure of its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Johnson Nyarko Boampong.

Speaking to journalists, Dr Boabeng condemned GTEC’s actions as not only “unlawful” and “unjustifiable”, but a direct attack on the livelihoods and dignity of university staff.

“We, UTAG and other unions on campus, categorically reject this publication in its content as unlawful, unjustifiable, and a direct attack on the dignity and the livelihood of the university staff,” Dr Boabeng declared.

• Read also: GTEC cuts off gov’t support to UCC, declares school “non-existent”

He further criticised the withdrawal of government support, particularly any move that could affect the payment of salaries, describing such action as both reckless and criminal.

“Salaries are not privileges that someone can whimsically say, ‘I have withdrawn.’ It is unacceptable to deny the university staff what is due them unjustifiably, unlawfully. I mean, it’s criminal and should be treated with the contempt it deserves,” he asserted.

Dr Boabeng noted that GTEC must withdraw the directive and offer a formal apology by Thursday or Friday. Should it fail to do so, the university’s staff unions say they will march in protest.

“If GTEC fails to do it in the coming days by Thursday, Friday we are all marching to Accra. They should come and lock the University of Cape Coast and take the keys to Accra. GTEC and Professor Okloh should understand that there are laws in this country,” he said.