The Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari II, has directed the closure of St Vincent College of Education in Yendi following a disagreement over the appointment of a new principal for the college.
This directive was issued after the school’s governing board allegedly ignored the Overlord’s recommendation for the position.
The college’s previous principal recently retired, creating the vacancy. The Overlord had recommended that the board prioritize suitable candidates who were indigenes to address the longstanding impression that local candidates were often sidelined by the authorities in recruitment. However, the board failed to honor this recommendation.
Currently, all offices have been locked, and staff and management have been asked to vacate the premises until the issue is resolved.
The Registrar of the Dagbon Traditional Council, Alhassan Abdul-Fataw, stated that despite agreeing to consider the Ya-Na’s request to prioritize indigenes, the board did not fulfill their pledge.
SEE ALSO: CETAG-National Labour Commission Meeting Postponed – Check Here
He explained that the King’s appeal to address the impression that local candidates are marginalized was disregarded by the board.
Some concerned youth also petitioned the Overlord to intervene, but when the board was invited for a meeting at the palace, they reportedly failed to comply with the directive.
Mr. Abdul-Fataw mentioned that the intervention of the Ya-Na helped to restore calm and protect property as some youth were mobilizing to attack the school.
Despite three local candidates being shortlisted for the interview, none were considered. Mr. Abdul-Fataw emphasized that the indigenes are equally qualified and deserve the opportunity.
SEE ALSO: When Will Colleges of Education Open Applications for the 2025/2026 Academic Year? – Check Here
The management of the school has declined to comment on the matter. A source mentioned that the authorities would meet the Overlord soon to resolve the issue amicably.
The Public Relations Officer of the Student Representative Council (SRC), Christopher Majah, has called for a dialogue between the authorities and the Dagbon Traditional Council to resolve the impasse, emphasizing the impact on final-year students currently on campus.
Reacting to the development, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) described the closure as unfortunate and called for calm.
The Deputy Director-General of GTEC, Professor Francis K. E. Nunoo, assured that the commission recognized the role of traditional authorities in the college’s operations and was working to find an amicable solution.
Prof. Nunoo stressed that the closure is detrimental to the economy, students, and the country. He mentioned that efforts are underway to resolve the issue promptly, with stakeholders being invited for discussions.
SEE ALSO: GTEC Directs Enchi College of Education Principal to Retire, Appoints Acting Replacement – Check Here
He acknowledged the role of traditional authorities as partners in education delivery and emphasized the need to sustain the economy and education in the area.
Prof. Nunoo also hinted at a similar situation at the E.P. College of Education in Bimbilla, which the commission is also addressing.
“We are working to address both scenarios within the shortest possible time,” he assured, adding that GTEC was governed by regulations and rules under the laws of the land