University students hit the streets to protest against school fees
University students have hit the streets to protest against what they call exorbitant school fees.
The students want their authorities to reduce the fees for the upcoming academic year, a demand that is yet to be granted.
The Deputy Minister of Education, Mahama Ayariga last week appealed to the students to rescind their decision and dialogue with their authorities over a possible reduction.
The students especially those at the University of Ghana say their Vice Chancellor remains adamant and has failed to consider their concerns.
The “Yentua” demonstration is being coordinated by the National Union of Ghana students (NUGS). President of NUGS Hamza Suhini told Citi News that the posture of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ernest Aryeetey is pushing them to continue with their planned demonstration.
He said the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana is bent on doing whatever he feels is right and does not want to listen to their concerns.
“It started from the decongestion policy that was introduced by the University, you would agree with me that if you have followed his comments, you will see that this is a man who is bent on doing whatever he feels is right.
“There is absolutely nothing wrong with that but I think it behoves on the Vice Chancellor to listen to the other side of the divide as well, especially the student population who also feel that certain issues must be addressed before he embarks on his drive to transform the University of Ghana”.
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of the Greater Accra Regional Police command, ASP Ziprian Zenge has assured that there will be enough personnel to ensure that the demonstration is a peaceful one.
Over 500 university students today, Wednesday 27th July embarked on a peaceful demonstration in protest against the Universities’ decision to increase school fees for the upcoming academic year.
The students submitted their petition to Parliament which was received by Gershon Gbediame, Deputy Majority Chief Whip, in the hope that parliamentarians will intervene in their favor.
Another petition was presented to the Ministry of Education. It was received on behalf of the ministry by Deputy Education Minister, Mahama Ayariga.
The demonstration was supported by various student unions.
The students especially those at the University of Ghana say their Vice Chancellor has failed to consider their concerns.
However Hamza Suhini, National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) is positive that government will address their problems and ensure that the fees are reduced.
The demonstration is also an attempt to disprove claims made by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aryeetey who described the leadership of NUGS and the Graduate Students Association of Ghana, (GRASAG) as weak leaders who want to destroy the University for their parochial interests.
President of NUGS Hamza Suhini told Citi News that the posture of the Vice Chancellor of UG was the reason behind the recent demonstration.
The “Yentua” demonstration which was organized by the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) is reported to have been nonviolent.
Source Citifmonline
Category: Education
