Professor Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, the former Vice-Chancellor of the Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU), has filed a lawsuit with the Accra High Court contesting what he terms an unjustified dismissal of his position.The lawsuit, dated March 1, 2026, names four defendants: the GCTU, Council Chairman Ing. Divine Kpetigo, Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Ebenezer Malcalm, and the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
According to the claim form that accompanied the writ, Professor Afoakwa was first appointed Vice-Chancellor in March 2021. In August 2024, the institution extended his contract for another four-year term, beginning March 1, 2025, and ending February 28, 2029. He claims to have taken the offer and remained in the position.
According to official papers, Prof. Afoakwa received a letter from the institution on February 3, 2026, ordering him to stop holding his post as Vice-Chancellor, with an alleged termination of his contract effective February 28, 2026. Another letter, dated February 26, 2026, prohibited him from working as Vice-Chancellor.
His lawyers, Barfo Bonney & Associates, claim that at no time did their client get notice of a contract breach, nor was he summoned to any hearing to answer to accusations before being dismissed. Plaintiff claims that the first and/or second respondents have never invited him to a hearing or heard his defense. The statement of claim addresses any allegations or breaches of contract.
Prof. Afoakwa argues that the dismissal contravenes Section 9(24) of the Ghana Communication Technology University Act 2020 (Act 1022), which establishes a fair hearing procedure.His attorneys also cited Article 19(13) of the 1992 Constitution, claiming that these requirements must be followed if the university wants to dismiss him from his position.
According to the statement of claim, the first and second defendants’ arbitrary use of discretionary power to purportedly terminate the Plaintiff’s employment contract without hearing the Plaintiff in relation to any accusation and/or proving the Plaintiff’s violation of a contract provision is plainly illegal.
The writ claims that GTEC, by a letter dated March 2, 2026, agreed to what the plaintiff considers to be unlawful and harmful behavior that violates his basic human rights to a fair hearing and employment.
Among the seven reliefs sought, Professor Afoakwa is asking the court to prohibit the defendants from interfering with his work until a final ruling on the lawsuit.
He seeks a declaration that the purported dismissal of his job as vice-chancellor is unlawful owing to a lack of due process and that he has not been discharged of his responsibilities under the contract, which he claims does not expire until February 28, 2029.
He is also requesting a declaration that the third defendant, Professor Malcalm, does not lawfully occupy the post of vice-chancellor, since his term has never been lawfully terminated. Damages for grief, mockery, humiliation, and shame are also being sought, with the amount decided by the court.
The plaintiff claims that if the court does not intervene, the defendants would continue to publicly humiliate him, interfere with his dignity, and plunge the university into chaos, harming student well-being and institutional unity.
The writ was filed at the Accra High Court registry on March 1, 2026, but has yet to be served on the defendants. After being served, they will have eight days to make an appearance; if they do not, judgment may be entered against them in their absence.
Source: graphic. com. gh
