Horace Ekow Ewusi, NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Cape Coast North, has submitted a petition to the President requesting the removal of Professor Harold S. Amonoo-Kuofi as Chairperson of the University of Cape Coast’s Governing Council.
According to Mr. Ewusi, the University of Cape Coast’s operations are being hindered by the unacceptable behavior of Prof. Harold S. Amonoo-Kuofi, Chairperson of the Governing Council.
He stated that this request is a last resort, following numerous unsuccessful attempts to persuade Prof. Amonoo-Kuofi to conduct himself in a manner befitting his position as Chairperson of the prestigious University of Cape Coast.
“Although the Chairman may be seen as a party person and professional, his conduct clearly demonstrates that he is seeking a personal agenda than the one that he was brought in for which is the collective interest of the University thereby affecting our chances of winning the seat”.
“Prof. Harold S. Amonoo-Kuofi’s behavior, unfortunately, suggests he lacks a fundamental grasp of corporate governance principles and behaves as an executive chairman, making unilateral decisions without recourse to members of the University Council. He has repeatedly taken it upon himself to make unilateral decisions, including solely responding to a petition on an advertisement without seeking input from other members of the Governing Council”.
Horace Ekow Ewusi
Mr. Ewusi pointed out that Prof. Amonoo-Kuofi’s tenure has been marked by conflicts with major university groups, namely UTAG, GAUA, the Convocation, and the Board of Convocation.
He noted that since becoming Chairman of the UCC Council in February 2024, Prof. Amonoo-Kuofi has repeatedly attacked Vice-Chancellor Prof. Boampong with baseless accusations, aiming to reverse his appointment despite it having followed proper procedures and laws.
Mr. Ewusi indicated that the attacks on the Vice-Chancellor have sparked tension and division within the University community, prompting concerns from faculty and staff about the impact on the University’s reputation.
He noted that this turmoil has led to a lawsuit filed against the University and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Boampong in the high court.
The NPP PC further stated that recent Council meeting minutes reveal Prof. Harold Amonoo-Kuofi’s involvement in the Cape Coast High Court lawsuit against the Vice-Chancellor.
He noted that Prof. Amonoo-Kuofi also used NDC media outlets to spread falsehoods about the Vice-Chancellor, which were published in NDC Newspapers.
Mr. Ewusi noted that on July 31, 2023, Prof. Amonoo-Kuofi unilaterally terminated the Vice-Chancellor’s renewal without Council approval, sparking campus backlash and tension.
Amonoo-Kuofi Accused Of Disregarding Due Process
Additionally, Horace Ekow Ewusi alleged that Prof. Amonoo-Kuofi disregarded established protocols and flouted procedural guidelines.
He noted that Prof. Amonoo-Kuofi is using his protégés to write petitions against management members he’s clashed with, bypassing University procedures.
The NPP PC further indicated that Prof. Amonoo-Kuofi is also promoting these protégés without following academic protocols, thereby creating campus tension, in addition to attempting to interdict officers with whom he has had issues, leading to ongoing court cases.
“Although several attempts by eminent individuals, including the Most Rev. Titus Awortwi Pratt, and Osaberrima Kwesi Atta (Oguaamanhene), Prof. Ebo Bondzie Simpon, Sir Sam Jonah (Chancellor of UCC) among other highly respected individuals have met with Prof Harold Amonoo-Koufi to persuade him to halt his activities, their efforts have been unsuccessful”.
“As a Parliamentary Candidate determined to recapture the Cape Coast North Constituency seat from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), I have personally engaged Prof. Harold Amonoo-Koufi and urged him to adopt a more political perspective and to cease actions that undermine our party in the constituency”.
Horace Ekow Ewusi
As such, Mr. Ewusi maintained that UCC, a peaceful and top-ranked university for 30 years, has seen negative press for the first time under Prof. Amonoo-Kuofi’s chairmanship.
Addressing the President, he stated that Prof. Amonoo-Kuofi held dual chairmanship positions at UCC and Cape Coast Technical University, despite protests and opposition.
Mr. Ewusi indicated that Prof. Amonoo-Kuofi has not relinquished his previous role, creating a conflict-of-interest situation, confirmed by the University’s website.
He also indicated that Prof. Amonoo-Kuofi, a former UCC Provost, fostered conflict among colleagues, some now in top management.
Mr. Ewusi detailed that As Chairperson of Cape Coast Technical University, Prof. Amonoo-Kuofi’s leadership sparked confusion, discontent, and legal disputes, which he lost, leaving a legacy of negative impact.
“Your Excellency, I am compelled to request the immediate removal of Prof Harold Amonoo-Koufi as the Chairperson of the UCC Governing Council in the interest of the University”. – Horace Ekow Ewusi
As such, Mr. Ewusi maintained that removing Prof. Amonoo-Kuofi will bring campus peace, boost the NPP’s election chances, and prevent harm to its campaign in the Cape Coast North Constituency.
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