Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong
The University of Cape Coast Council has terminated the appointment of Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong as Vice Chancellor despite a 2-year extension granted in July 2023, stating that the extension was unconstitutional.
The Council’s decision was based on a violation of the University’s statutes and the 1992 Constitution, specifically Article 199, which mandates retirement of all public officers at age 60.
The Council argued that the two-year extension granted to Professor Boampong would have exceeded this retirement age, making it invalid.
Prof. Boampong, who began his four-year term in June 2020, was recently at the center of controversy over a purported extension of his tenure.
He was reappointed the Vice-Chancellor of UCC for a two-year term starting August 1, 2024, according to a statement from the University’s Governing Council. His current term ended on July 31, 2024 in which the university council said he should pack out and go home.
In a statement cited by DGN Online, the governing council, led by Chairman Professor Harold S. Amonoo-Kuofi, issued a notice declaring the extension as invalid.
The statement explains “Please note that the purported renewal/extension of your appointment as Vice-Chancellor at the Council’s meeting on the 28th of July 2023, for a term of two (2) years effective 1st August 2024, is void and consequently same is revoked as it breaches the University’s Statutes on renewal of appointment of the Vice-Chancellor’’.
The council clarified that while an extension of Prof. Boampong’s appointment could be considered, no such decision had been made.
“While your appointment may be extended by 2 years at a time up to a maximum of 5 years beyond your retirement age by contract, as provided in Article 199 clause (4) above, there has not yet been any such contractual extension.
“This extension applies only to your appointment as a member of the University in general, but not applicable to your position as the Vice-Chancellor, since the University’s Statutes have placed a limit on same in Statute 8.2,” the notice explained.
They also encouraged Prof. Boampong to formally apply for an extension if he wishes to continue his tenure.
“You may, however, apply to Council for its consideration in line with the laid-down procedure to renew your term as Vice-Chancellor for a period not exceeding your retirement age and which does not breach the Constitution and the University’s Statutes,’’ the statement added.
Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong is a Pharmacist and Biomedical Scientist with research interests in the area of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy. He is a fellow and also a member of the Academic Board of the Ghana College of Pharmacists.
BY Daniel Bampoe