A Senior Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Dr. Elijah Tukwariba Yin, has sued the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) over its directive for Vice Chancellor, Professor Johnson Boampong, to step aside after reaching the compulsory retirement age of 60.
In a statement dated September 19, 2025, GTEC argued that Prof. Boampong’s continued tenure violated Article 199(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which requires public office holders to retire at 60. The Commission cited the University of Cape Coast Act, 1992 (PNDCL 278), to justify its position.
It further instructed UCC’s Governing Council to appoint Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Dennis Aheto, as Acting Vice Chancellor until the Cape Coast High Court delivers judgment in an ongoing case over Prof. Boampong’s tenure. GTEC warned that failure to comply could lead to the suspension of salaries, accreditation, and government subventions.
Dr. Yin, who is also Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Law, contends that GTEC has exceeded its authority and unlawfully interfered in the internal governance of the university. He argues that only UCC’s Governing Council has the mandate to remove a Vice Chancellor, and insists that Prof. Boampong was denied a fair hearing.
He further accuses the Commission of acting in contempt of a subsisting High Court injunction and of using threats and unlawful withdrawal of services to force compliance.
Filing the suit in his personal capacity, Dr. Yin maintains that citizens have a duty to intervene when state institutions abuse their powers. He also claims GTEC’s actions could negatively impact his rights and interests as a member of the university community.
Among the reliefs he is seeking are: a declaration nullifying GTEC’s letters removing Prof. Boampong and appointing an acting Vice Chancellor, an order restraining the Commission from further interference, and a bar preventing Prof. Aheto from acting in the role.
The case is expected to be heard at the Cape Coast High Court
Author: Jasmine Adjei
Development journalist
