The Bolgatanga Traditional Council in the Upper East Region has stated its strong position against any attempts to paralyzed the duly constituted and hardworking Governing Council of the Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) or to impose what it describes as a disrespectful and corrupt Vice-Chancellor,Prof. Samuel Erasmus Alna, on the people of the Bolgatanga Traditional Area.In a statement signed by the Acting President of the Bolgatanga Traditional Council, Naba Patrick Ayimbila Asaliya, the Council said it has enjoyed a good working relationship with the current Governing Council of BTU.
The Council explained that on 8th September 2025, it submitted a petition to the Governing Council. The petition requested, among other things, the removal of the suspended Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Erasmus Alna.
The Council said it could no longer work with him due to what it described as, arrogance and disrespect toward the Chief and people of Sumbrungo, on whose land the university was built, disrespect toward the Bolgatanga Traditional Council, a key stakeholder of the university,poor working relationship with many members of staff, leading to divisions and the disruption of peace in the university, alleged corrupt practices that the Council says have been damaging the institution.
It added that these issues led to Prof. Alna’s suspension to allow investigations to be conducted.
Evidence Cited by the Council
The Traditional Council also stated that it has evidence supporting allegations of disrespect toward the Chief and the people of Sumbrungo.
According to the statement, the previous Rector, Dr. Mba Atinga, acquired land measuring about (440 plots) from the people of Sumbrungo at a negotiated price per plot at Agusi. The site plan was reportedly prepared in the name of the university, and pillars were planted around the land. The landowners, the Council said, were asked to open bank accounts so their compensation could be paid.
However, the Council claimed that when Prof. Samuel Erasmus Alna took over as Vice-Chancellor, he allegedly rejected the land during negotiations, leaving the landowners to their fate one of the reasons, the Council said, that made the Sumbrungo community unhappy. It further said the community staged a mass demonstration on Tuesday, 1 June 2025**, against what it termed “bad leadership” by Prof. Alna.
The Council also referenced another incident when the Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Commission (GTEC) reversed decisions made by the Governing Council, including asking Prof. Alna to proceed on leave.
Concern Over GTEC’s Role.
The Council expressed sadness that the GTEC Director-General is trying to turn the Governing Council into a “rubber stamp” by writing from Accra to override and reverse major decisions made by the Council. It questioned why the government would constitute and inaugurate the Governing Council if that body does not have authority to take major administrative decisions, and whether BTU is also truly autonomous with academic freedom.
Alleged Interference and Procurement Claims.
The Council stated that when the Governing Council appointed two key officers the Registrar and the Director of Finance the GTEC Director-General interfered and allegedly caused two rounds of selection procedures, including selecting the same person for the Registrar position. The Council described this as a needless waste of scarce state resources.
It said the university had an estimated development opportunity of about GHC 27 million, and it alleged that Prof. Alna used this opportunity to buy furniture that exceeded available classroom space, while the existing furniture was later distributed without what it said was due diligence an issue it said was raised through a petition.
The Council further alleged that after an investigative committee submitted a report on alleged procurement breaches, the Governing Council had not yet met to consider the report and determine the fate of the suspended Vice-Chancellor.
It claimed that the GTEC Director-General then bypassed the Governing Council by writing directly to Prof. Alna to return to post while investigations were still ongoing, allegedly to prevent him from interfering with the probe. Call to the Minister of Education.
The Traditional Council said it wishes to inform the Minister of Education, who represents President John Dramani Mahama, to be wary of what it described as “mishaps,” and to ensure that the Governing Council of BTU is given the needed free hand to work and restore peace in the university.
It also urged that the Governing Council whose efforts it said it appreciates be allowed to carry out its mandate in selecting a Vice-Chancellor through due process.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/ Gaspard Adongo Ayuureneeya.