A significant governance dispute has erupted at the Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) concerning the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, following what many within the university community perceive as an unlawful attempt by the Chairman of the Governing Council, Ing. Divine Kpetigo, and a few members to terminate his appointment. Professor Afoakwa, who assumed the role of Vice-Chancellor in March 2021, had his contract extended by the University Council in August 2024 to run until February 28, 2029, after successfully completing his initial term. 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, to fully serve his tenure at GCTU.

However, the situation took a dramatic turn with allegations that the Council Chairman attempted to orchestrate the Vice-Chancellor’s termination without adhering to due process, contrary to the Ghana Communication Technology University Act, 2020 (Act 1022) and the University’s Statutes. These laws clearly outline the procedures for disciplinary action or removal of a Vice-Chancellor. Since assuming office, Ing. Kpetigo has reportedly been interfering in the day-to-day administration of the university, a responsibility vested in the Vice-Chancellor as the chief executive officer. Despite recent engagements with state investigative agencies, no wrongdoing has been established against Professor Afoakwa or his administration.

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 (NIB) 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, 2026, barring him from acting as Vice-Chancellor, with his contract allegedly terminated effective February 28, 2026. The Governing Council formally ended his engagement from February 28, 2026, and appointed Professor Ebenezer Malcalm, the Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor, to step into the Vice-Chancellor role in an acting capacity. These decisions were ratified at an emergency Council meeting on March 3, 2026, and subsequently affirmed by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).

In response to these developments, Professor Afoakwa, through his lawyers Barfo Bonney & Associates, has initiated legal action at the Accra High Court, filing a writ of summons (Suit No. GT/0487/2026 on March 1, 2026) against GCTU, Ing. Divine Kpetigo, Professor Ebenezer Malcalm, and the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). He contends that at no point was he notified of any breach of contract or invited to a hearing to respond to allegations before his removal, thus violating Section 9(24) of the GCTU Act 2020 and Article 19(13) of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantee fair hearing. He argues that GTEC's affirmation of the Council's actions also infringes upon his fundamental human rights.

Professor Afoakwa is seeking several reliefs from the court, including restraining the defendants from interfering with his employment pending the case's final determination. He also seeks declarations that the purported termination of his employment is null and void due to lack of due process, and that his contract remains valid until February 28, 2029. Furthermore, he seeks a declaration that Professor Malcalm does not legitimately occupy the position of Vice-Chancellor, as his own tenure has never been lawfully terminated. He is also claiming damages for distress, ridicule, humiliation, and public shame, with the quantum to be assessed by the court.

Major stakeholders, including the GCTU branches of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) and the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA), were reportedly not consulted and have expressed strong concerns. They have appealed to the Ministry of Education for urgent intervention, strict adherence to due process, and protection of the university's institutional integrity. The university community fears that these developments risk creating unnecessary instability, potentially undermining GCTU's autonomy and its strategic ambition to become Ghana’s emerging Silicon Valley. The case now awaits the defendants to enter an appearance within eight days of service, as stakeholders urge respect for the rule of law.