The National Youth Organizer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha has publicly retracted and apologized to Professor Ransford Gyampo, the President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) at the University of Ghana, Legon, following serious allegations made in a press statement issued on October 28, 2024.
In his October 28, 2024 statement, Salam Mustapha, the National Youth Organizer of the ruling party noted that he accused Prof. Gyampo of conspiring with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to disenfranchise students amid the ongoing University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) strike.
The original statement, he added suggested that Prof. Gyampo was leveraging the UTAG strike as a “decoy” for political gains, allegedly assuring himself of a future political appointment within an NDC government.
Furthermore, it included disturbing claims about Prof. Gyampo’s conduct towards students, suggesting an international reputation for inappropriate relationships and altering academic grades.
“Lawyers of Prof Gyampo have subsequently engaged me and drawn my attention to the defamatory nature of the contents of my Press Release. Given that I have no evidence to back the allegations I made against Prof Gyampo, I hereby retract and render an unqualified apology to him”.
Salam Mustapha, NPP National Youth Organizer.
While emphasizing the importance of responsible communication in political discourse, Salam Mustapha also committed to ensuring that this retraction is disseminated with the same prominence as the original press statement across all media outlets that reported the allegations.
This incident raises critical questions about the standards of political communication within Ghana, particularly among youth leaders who wield significant influence.
The NPP Youth Organizer’s swift acknowledgement of wrongdoing is a noteworthy move in the political landscape, suggesting a growing awareness of the ramifications that baseless allegations can have on individuals’ reputations and careers.
This retraction and apology not only represent a personal accountability moment for Salam Mustapha but also reflect a broader commitment to ethical discourse in Ghanaian politics.
Suspension of UTAG’s Anti-Galamsey Strike
In another statement, the National Youth Wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), expressed its heartfelt appreciation to the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) for their decision to call off a strike that had disrupted academic activities, allowing the University of Ghana to resume classes.
This development according to the ruling party’s youth wing comes as a welcome relief to thousands of students who had been adversely affected by the protracted strike.
Salam Mustapha, the NPP National Youth Organizer, conveyed his enthusiasm over the news, stating, “It was a great delight to receive the news that UTAG has called off its strike and subsequently announced the resumption of school by the University of Ghana. I am exceedingly happy with this development and doff my hat for UTAG and salute them.”
His remarks underline the critical role that education plays in the lives of students and the broader societal implications of academic interruptions.
Reflecting on the strike, Salam Mustapha noted that his earlier plea for the resumption of academic work, issued on October 28, 2024, was motivated by a deep concern for the student’s educational progress.
He acknowledged the importance of maintaining an uninterrupted academic calendar, especially considering that many students were registered to vote in the upcoming elections. “I was mindful of the academic work and also their constitutional right to vote since most of the students registered on campus,” he stated.
He shared insights from fruitful discussions with some union members who expressed concerns that continued disruption could severely impact the academic calendar and, consequently, students’ educational outcomes.
In conclusion, Salam Mustapha extended his profound gratitude to UTAG and its executives for their dedication and commitment to the welfare of Ghanaian students, emphasizing their role in facilitating a conducive learning environment.
He concluded with an enthusiastic affirmation, “The NPP youth wing says ayeekoo,” recognizing the efforts made by UTAG in prioritizing students’ interests.
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