Chaos at University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) as Vice Chancellor faces power grab accusations
A major crisis is shaking the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Tarkwa. The vice chancellor is under fire for allegedly taking too much power, sparking a governance battle that threatens the school’s fairness and freedom.
Associate Prof. George Agyei, head of the Mining Engineering Department, released a press release on June 2, 2025, calling for help from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and the Western Regional Minister. He says the vice chancellor is breaking the university’s rules, and it’s causing big trouble.
The problem started with the vice chancellor setting up a disciplinary committee the wrong way. Prof. Agyei explains that the rules (Statute 39(2)(b)) say committee members should be chosen by a vote, but instead, the Vice Chancellor chose people he likes. This has made some lecturers scared to speak out. After Prof. Agyei’s letter, the vice chancellor quickly changed the meeting plan, possibly to fix things in his favor and leave out a key representative.
There are more issues too. The Vice Chancellor gave a promotion to Dr. Bright Oppong Afum while he was on leave, which isn’t allowed. He also let Mr. Michael Owusu Tweneboah take leave even though he wasn’t doing his job, and he ignored advice about appointing Mr. Boakye Yiadom. Prof. Agyei says his own promotion is being delayed on purpose, and his complaints have been ignored.
Experts warn that this is bad for the university’s fairness and independence. They suggest stopping all decisions from the wrong committee, following the rules, making promotions clear, checking how things are run, and maybe punishing the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Agyei is asking GTEC, the Ministry of Education, and everyone at the university to protect fair leadership. He says this is a big test for Ghana’s schools.
So far, the university’s leaders haven’t responded, but teachers and students are worried. Prof. Agyei wants to help fix things the right way and can be reached at [email protected] or +233245821539.
Tony Krapah
