A significant governance dispute has erupted at the Ghana Communication Technology University concerning Vice-Chancellor Professor Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, following what many perceive as an unlawful attempt to terminate his appointment.

Professor Afoakwa assumed the role in March 2021, and his contract was extended by the University Council in August 2024 to run until February 28, 2029.

To fulfill this commitment, Professor Afoakwa reportedly took early retirement from the University of Ghana at age 55, after concluding his four-year secondment and an additional one-year extension.

This sacrifice makes the alleged unlawful termination particularly significant for the university community.

The situation took a dramatic turn when Council Chairman Ing. Divine Kpetigo allegedly attempted to orchestrate the Vice-Chancellor's termination without adhering to due process.

These actions are said to be contrary to the Ghana Communication Technology University Act, 2020 (Act 1022) and the University's Statutes.

The dispute escalated further when Professor Afoakwa's official vehicle was blocked at the main entrance of the Tesano campus, preventing him from leaving and creating significant tension. The National Intelligence Bureau had to intervene to restore calm and ensure his safe departure.

On February 3, 2026, Professor Afoakwa received a letter instructing him to cease holding his position, followed by another on February 26 barring him from acting as Vice-Chancellor, with his contract allegedly terminated effective February 28, 2026. T

he Governing Council subsequently appointed Professor Ebenezer Malcalm as Acting Vice-Chancellor, with decisions ratified at an emergency Council meeting on March 3, 2026.

In response, Professor Afoakwa filed a writ of summons at the Accra High Court on March 1, 2026, against GCTU, Ing. Kpetigo, Professor Malcalm, and the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission. He contends that he was never notified of any breach of contract or invited to a hearing before his removal.

Professor Afoakwa argues that his removal violates Section 9(24) of the GCTU Act 2020 and Article 19(13) of the1992 Constitution, which guarantee the right to a fair hearing. He further contends that GTEC's affirmation of the Council's actions infringes upon his fundamental human rights.

Among the reliefs sought, Professor Afoakwa is requesting a declaration that his purported termination is null and void due to lack of due process. He also seeks confirmation that his contract remains valid until February 28, 2029, and that Professor Malcalm does not legitimately occupy the Vice-Chancellor position.

Additionally, Professor Afoakwa is claiming damages for distress, ridicule, humiliation, and public shame, with the quantum to be assessed by the court. The case now awaits the defendants to enter an appearance within eight days of service.

Major stakeholders, including GCTU branches of the University Teachers Association of Ghana and the Ghana Association of University Administrators, were reportedly not consulted and have expressed strong concerns.

They have appealed to the Ministry of Education for urgent intervention and strict adherence to due process.

The university community fears these developments risk creating unnecessary instability, potentially undermining GCTU's autonomy and its strategic ambition to become Ghana's Silicon Valley. Stakeholders are urging all parties to respect the rule of law and preserve the institution's integrity as the legal battle unfolds.