Public University Bill: Consult widely before presenting to Parliament – Otumfuo

The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has urged government to undertake an exhaustive engagement with all relevant stakeholders before presenting the draft University Bill to parliament.

The decision by government to introduce a New University Bill has been greeted with reactions and various concerns from UTAG and some members of the general public.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony for Post Graduate Students at KNUST earlier today, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who’s also the Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology(KNUST) said the interests generated by the general public in the Bill should send a strong signal to government to accommodate divergent views being expressed by key stakeholders.

“Ultimately the concerns and interests of all major stakeholders must be seen to have been taken on-board in the final draft for the sake of harmony and industrial peace on campuses.

“All Stakeholders must respect the views of others and avoid confrontations and consolidation of positions on the bill. I therefore strongly urge the government to allow for further and broader consultations in order to iron out any grey areas before the bill is placed before parliament for consideration.”

The Executive is inundated with pressure to withdraw the bill even before it hits the legislative arm of government for consideration.

However, the Ministry has said the bill is just a draft and is subject to the contributions of the lecturers and other senior members of the universities.