Afoakwa Drags GCTU to Court Over Removal as Vice-Chancellor
The Vice-Chancellor of Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU), Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, has initiated legal action at the High Court in Accra, contesting what he says was an unlawful decision to end his tenure.
The suit, filed on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, lists the university as the first defendant. Other parties named in the case include the Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Ebenezer Malcolm, the Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor, as well as the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
In documents presented to the court, Professor Afoakwa stated that he assumed office as Vice-Chancellor on March 1, 2021, under a contract scheduled to end on February 28, 2025. He further indicated that the university later renewed his appointment through a letter dated August 20, 2024, extending his tenure for another four-year period—from March 1, 2025, to February 28, 2029—which he formally accepted.
According to him, the situation changed earlier this year when he received two separate letters, dated February 3 and February 26, 2026, informing him that his appointment had been brought to an end and that the Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor had taken over the position effective February 28, 2026.
Professor Afoakwa argues that the decision was taken without any prior notice of wrongdoing or an opportunity for him to respond to allegations, if any. He maintains that the action violated the terms of his employment agreement and undermined principles of natural justice, including his right to a fair hearing under the 1992 Constitution and the relevant provisions governing the university.
As part of the lawsuit, the embattled Vice-Chancellor is asking the court to declare the termination invalid and without legal basis, insisting that his appointment remains in force until 2029.
Among the reliefs sought, he is requesting an injunction to prevent the defendants from interfering with his duties as Vice-Chancellor while the case is being heard. He is also seeking declarations affirming that the termination was unlawful and that he continues to hold the substantive position.
In addition, Professor Afoakwa is demanding damages for the distress, humiliation, and reputational damage he claims to have suffered, as well as the payment of legal costs associated with the case.
The High Court in Accra is expected to schedule proceedings for the defendants to formally respond to the claims.