By Ashiadey Dotse
The offices of St Vincent College of Education in Yendi have been closed following a disagreement between the school’s board and the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II, over the selection of a new principal.
The college needed a new principal after the previous one retired. Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari recommended a candidate, but the school’s board chose a different individual. This decision angered the Overlord, leading the Dagbon Traditional Council to act.
According to Citi News, Alhassan Abdul Fataw, Registrar of the Dagbon Traditional Council, instructed the staff and management of the college to vacate the premises and lock the offices. He described the board’s decision to overlook the Overlord’s recommendation as disrespectful.
Fataw explained that the Overlord wanted a candidate from the Dagbon area to lead the college, highlighting that no Dagomba has ever served as the school’s principal. The Overlord only learned about the vacancy after interviews for the position had already begun.
“The King invited the board and asked them to consider appointing an indigenous principal to address concerns about discrimination against locals. However, the board ignored this request, appointing someone from outside the kingdom,” Fataw stated.
In response, the youth of Yendi supported the Overlord’s stance, leading to the closure of the college offices. The move aims to encourage dialogue and find a peaceful solution to the matter.
The college remains closed until further notice.
