Professor Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa has taken legal action against the Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU), contesting his recent removal as Vice-Chancellor and seeking reinstatement along with damages for alleged rights violations.
In a suit filed at the High Court in Accra on March 4, 2026, Prof Afoakwa described his termination as “unlawful” and asserted that his four-year contract, extended in August 2024, remains valid until February 28, 2029. He argues that he was neither notified of any contract breach nor given the opportunity to respond to allegations before being asked to vacate office.
Prof Afoakwa is requesting a court declaration that his removal is null and void and that he continues to hold the substantive role of Vice-Chancellor. He is also seeking an injunction to prevent the University and its governing council from interfering with his duties during the ongoing proceedings. Additionally, he is claiming damages for distress, humiliation, and breach of his fundamental human rights.
The legal dispute follows letters from the GCTU Governing Council, dated February 3 and February 26, 2026, indicating that Prof Afoakwa’s term would end on February 28, 2026, and appointing Professor Ebenezer Malcolm as Acting Vice-Chancellor. The Council stated that the acting appointment was necessary to maintain leadership continuity and institutional stability.
Prof Afoakwa contends that the Council’s decision violated the fair hearing provisions under the GCTU Act, 2020 (Act 1022), and Article 19(13) of the 1992 Constitution, describing the appointment of an acting Vice-Chancellor as invalid.
The suit seeks, among other reliefs, a declaration confirming that the termination was unlawful, an order restraining interference with his duties, damages for breach of contract, and coverage of legal costs.
This case raises critical questions about governance, contractual obligations, and procedural fairness in Ghanaian tertiary institutions.
