Rawlings writes to National Security Minister

Former President Jerry John Rawlings has written a letter to the National Security Minister, Kan Dapaah to draw his attention to the complaint of the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Prof. Mawutor Avoke, who is accusing the authorities of unjustifiably dismissing him from office.

His letter was copied to President Akufo-Addo, the Chairman of the Council of State, the Education Minister, Member of Parliament, Efutu and the National House of Chiefs.

According to Mr Rawlings, he has received representations and a number of petitions from Prof. Mawutor Avoke to speak with the necessary stakeholders to get him and four others, who were ‘sacked’, back to their post since the investigations conducted by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has justified them of no wrongdoing or abuse of office.

“There is a clear case of injustice here and the continued non-resolution of this matter is justice denied and untenable,” he said.

Prof. Mawutor Avoke was forcefully relieved of duty, together with some officials in the UEW due to some alleged procurement irregularities during his tenure in April last year 2018.

Records have it that, some contracts the institution awarded to one Paa Badu Construction Limited and C-Deck limited and other procurement mechanisms during Prof. Avoke’s tenure did not follow due process.

After an emergency meeting by the University’s Council, EOCO was prompted to look into the matter together with four others in various departments that were believed to have abused their office by conniving to commit financial loss to the institution.

The former Vice-Chancellor and his colleagues were, therefore, advised to step aside for investigations to be conducted which they did.

After EOCO’s probe, it was obvious that the former Vice-Chancellor and four others who were ousted in a ‘rambo style’ did not abuse their office nor breach any procurement regulations in the institution they were working.

But despite his exoneration, he is still at home as a new Vice-chancellor had already been appointed by the governing council of the university. The following is the full letter Mr Rawlings sent to Mr Kan Dapaah.

I have over the past few days received representations and a petition from Prof Mawutor Avoke on his challenges with the University of Education, Winneba where he was Vice-Councilor.

As per attached petition, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) which investigated allegations against Professor Avoke and five others has exonerated the six persons.

Unfortunately, during the pendency of investigation, the affected persons were dismissed from the University by the previous Council of the University.

That action has created complex situation, leaving the exonerated Prof. Avoke and his colleagues still out of work.

Honourable Minister, there is a clear case of injustice here and the continued non-resolution of this matters is justice denied and untenable.

As per the Professor’s requires I will be grateful if you can look into the merits of the latest developments and take necessary action steps in consultation with the relevant stakeholders that will be satisfactory justifiable and equitable in the eye of the law.

I count on your kind assistance and cooperation.