Injustice and Justice: University of Education Winneba- Samson Lardy’s take

A viral video of the city Authority Taskforce sometimes including Police officers once again is seen assaulting people including an elderly woman in the name of enforcing some sanitation rule and that breaks my heart.

Even if the law did not prohibit such conduct, what upbringing emboldens a young man to whip an elderly woman in public?

Well, a Regional Minister was applauded for supervising a similar unconstitutional and criminal conduct where his Taskforce flogged and made people squat and sweep dusty portion Madina roads for failing to use the footbridge and there is a specific law to punish people for that

Article 15 of the 1992 Constitution prohibits any form of inhuman and degrading treatments and acts likely to diminish their dignity and worth and that’s even when one has been or is in the grip of the Police or the state for a criminal offence.

Even that, the Police is not allowed to administer any punishment because the law prohibits that. It is only a court that can do that.

Sadly, even the President didn’t see anything wrong with the indiscriminate burning of excavators on-site without the opportunity for their owners to be heard. What do you want the people who purported to condemn mob injustice in the murder of a soldier to learn?

These injustices especially constituted by authority inspire impunity. Do you think the MCE for Sekondi Takoradi is alone in this brazen above the law conduct? He only got unlucky his act is in the public view.

Many Police officers, poor civil servants have suffered naked evil transfers for refusing unlawful instructions, daring to call the bluff of politicians and people connected to power or for simply being or not being NDC or NPP. Stop the injustice!

Justice they say is sweet when it is swift but Justice may be buried when it is hurried. In a rather swift event in 2017 characteristic of the well-choreographed removal of the Ec Boss, Charlotte Osei and her deputies, the University of Education, Winneba was also set on the urge.

There may have been a procedural issue with the University’s Council and the refusal to constitute it but that should not have led to the bizarre development that saw the Vice-chancellor, the Principal officer and 4 other staff axed from office.

One court decision after the other and a quick installation of a new VC and the replacement of other officers saw the University dominate the news and even the President was accused of complicity and undermining the courts in the induction of a new VC in 2018 at a time several suits including an injunction application were pending determination.

Yes, not even the EOCO investigative  Report exonerating those affected of alleged Procurement wrongs could get them their jobs back.

Even a favourable determination of a petition by the Education Minister was ignored just like a similar outcome by a committee of eminent persons chaired by a respected court of Appeal Judge.

This week, the High Court issued orders compelling their reinstatement and compensation. Some of them may have moved on but Justice at last and it was refreshing to hear an emergency Univesity council meeting attended by the Education Minister declare full commitment to restore Prof.Mawutor Avoke to his VC position as well as welcome back Dr Theophillus Akorli and the other affected staff.

Res Judicata, litigation must come to an end and the posture of the Council must be embraced by all who seek the wellbeing of the University.

The VC position is vacant now and Prof. Avoke has 2 years or less to serve. His promise of reconciliation must see a united University staff focus on the progress of the University of Education, Winneba.

All those playing important roles to see the end of what sought to destroy this important centre of Education, deserve commendation.

Justice hurried may be justice buried.