Man petitions GTEC, challenges Agordzo’s continuous engagement as UPSA lecturer

Kojo Otchere, a concerned citizen, initiated the petition, pointing to public comments made by Dr. Agordzo that were widely disseminated on television and social media.

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A petition has been filed with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) raising concerns over the continued appointment of retired police officer Dr. Benjamin Agordzo as a lecturer at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).

Kojo Otchere, a concerned citizen, initiated the petition, pointing to public comments made by Dr. Agordzo that were widely disseminated on television and social media. According to the petitioner, these statements were provocative and seemed to encourage junior officers of the Ghana Police Service to act against the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.

In one viral video, Dr. Agordzo allegedly suggested dissent within the police force, stating, “Some police officers will mobilise and drive him [the IGP] out of office, mark my words.” The petitioner described these remarks as a potential threat to national security and a challenge to the hierarchical structure essential for maintaining order within the police.

Dr. Agordzo’s role as a leadership lecturer at UPSA has amplified these concerns. The petitioner argued that such remarks are at odds with the values of mentorship and leadership expected of an academic, particularly one teaching about leadership. The petition suggests that lecturers in such positions should model discipline, integrity, and ethical conduct.

The concerns were further underscored by information obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) request about Dr. Agordzo’s professional history. The findings revealed instances of professional misconduct during his service with the Ghana Police. He was dismissed from the force and later reinstated at a lower rank after being convicted on six counts of misconduct.

This record, combined with his recent comments, raises questions about Dr. Agordzo’s suitability to teach leadership and ethics at UPSA. The petitioner expressed worries that retaining such a lecturer could tarnish the university’s reputation and undermine its commitment to fostering ethical leadership.

The petition calls on GTEC to conduct a thorough review of Dr. Agordzo’s role at UPSA to determine his suitability for the position. It urges the Commission to take necessary steps to safeguard the integrity of Ghana’s tertiary education system and ensure that future leaders are guided by individuals who demonstrate the highest ethical and professional standards.