A new legal battle has erupted at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), following a bold move by Dr. Elijah Tukwariba Yin, a Senior Lecturer and Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Law. Dr. Yin has filed a lawsuit against the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) after the Commission ordered the university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Johnson Boampong, to step aside for allegedly surpassing the compulsory retirement age of 60.
The controversy began when GTEC, in a statement dated September 19, 2025, cited Article 199(1) of the 1992 Constitution to insist that Prof. Boampong’s continued stay in office was unlawful. The Commission argued that the Vice Chancellor’s position falls under the category of public office holders required to retire at age 60, referencing the University of Cape Coast Act, 1992 (PNDCL 278).
GTEC further directed the UCC Governing Council to appoint the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Dennis Aheto, as acting Vice Chancellor pending a court ruling. The statement also carried a stern warning: non-compliance could result in withdrawal of salaries, accreditation, and government funding.
Dr. Yin, however, strongly disagrees with GTEC’s actions. In his suit, he argues that the Commission overstepped its mandate and unlawfully interfered with the internal governance of the university. According to Dr. Yin, only the UCC Governing Council has the authority to remove a Vice Chancellor, and Prof. Boampong was denied due process and a fair hearing. He also alleges that GTEC’s directive violated an existing High Court injunction and was accompanied by arbitrary threats and unlawful withdrawal of statutory services.
Filing the case as a private citizen, Dr. Yin emphasized the civic responsibility to act when public power is abused. He maintains that GTEC’s actions could have personal and broader institutional consequences.
In his lawsuit, Dr. Yin is seeking several reliefs, including:
A declaration voiding GTEC’s letters removing the Vice Chancellor, appointing an acting Vice Chancellor, and withdrawing services.
An order overturning the directive for Prof. Boampong to step down.
An injunction restraining GTEC from further interference in the Vice Chancellor’s tenure.
An order compelling GTEC to process UCC’s lawful requests.
A bar on Prof. Dennis Aheto from acting as Vice Chancellor.
As the legal drama unfolds, the High Court in Cape Coast prepares to hear the matter in the coming weeks, with the future of UCC’s leadership—and the limits of GTEC’s authority—hanging in the balance.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
