The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has expressed profound disappointment in response to recent remarks made by Professor Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC). The comments were made during a public lecture organized by the SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies and were captured in a viral GBC video report.
UTAG found the Vice Chancellor's statements regarding the Book and Research Allowances (BRA) paid to its members to be disheartening and characterized by a limited understanding of the purpose of the BRA. The Association considered the remarks as reflective of a culture where some academics, having climbed to the top, disregard the very ladder that led them there. Professor Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo's statement claiming ignorance about how academics use the BRA was deemed condescending, distasteful, and pretentious.
UTAG clarified that the BRA plays a crucial role in supporting the academic pursuits and professional development of its members, fostering a culture of research excellence within university communities. The Association emphasized that research activities funded by the BRA go beyond scholarly publications and contribute to enhanced pedagogics in lecture rooms and broader societal impact.
While UTAG expressed openness to periodic reviews of existing policies in universities, it strongly opposed reviews rooted in ignorance and advocated for a consultative approach involving all relevant parties. The proposal by Professor Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo to abolish the BRA and replace it with an application-based research fund was criticized as lacking a comprehensive understanding of university research activities.
UTAG called on the Vice Chancellor to issue an apology to its entire membership and urged him to engage in constructive dialogue to gain a deeper understanding of the perspectives, concerns, and research efforts of UTAG members. The Association believes that such engagement will contribute to the development of a more equitable and effective system aligned with the University's commitment to research excellence.
