Wa Polytechnic staff demand removal of Rector

The Rector of Wa Polytechnic in the Upper West Region, Prof Emmanuel Owusu Maafo’s job is on the line as three local unions demand his removal for allegedly mismanaging funds and abusing his office. The labour unions – the Polytechnic Teachers Association of Ghana (POTAG), the Polytechnic Administration Association of Ghana (PAAG) and the Polytechnic Workers Association of Ghana (POWAG) – are also calling on the school’s governing council to suspend the induction of the Rector which is scheduled to take place this Saturday. On December 8, 2017, a staff of Wa Polytechnic Bawa Abdul-Rahim petitioned the council, accusing the Rector of  procurement fraud and abuse of office. The unions argued that they have no information whether Prof. Owusu Maafo has been cleared of those charges. Leadership of the labour unions who have indicated their disapproval over Saturday’s event embarked on a demonstration to register their displeasure on Thursday morning. According to the unions, it would be a waste of the institution’s resources to organize an induction service only for the Rector to be removed later if the allegations of financial mismanagement are proven. The local POTAG chairman who doubled as the chairman of the three unionized bodies at the Wa Polytechnic, Bamia Mubasir Ahmed claimed the Rector is riding a Mercedes Benz estimated at the cost 502,000 cedis when students do not have hostels. He alleged that the car was bought without the approval of the school’s council,  which he said is enough for him to have been shown the exit. The rector’s induction ceremony is scheduled to take place alongside a graduation ceremony. Bamia Mubasir Ahmed assured students the unions will participate in the graduation ceremony, but would make their next line of action known if the council does not heed their demand. He hinted the unions may embark on a sit-down strike as part of their actions. The Rector could not be reached for his side of the story. By Yakubu Adbul Gafur |3news.com| Ghana]]>