The University of Ghana has suspended Professor Ransford Gyampo for six months and Dr. Paul Butakor, for four months for their roles as captured in a sexual harassment scandal, that hit the University late last year.
The suspension which is without pay, is to take retrospective effect from January 1, 2020.
A statement by the University’s Management said the decision is in line with statute 46 (2) of the University disciplinary code as amended, and regulation fifteen- zero of the Code of Conduct for Academic Staff of the University of Ghana.
It said the Disciplinary Committee recommended suspension without pay for the two.
In addition, Prof.Gyampo and Dr. Butakor are required to undergo appropriate training on the University of Ghana’s Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy, as well as the Code of Conduct for Academic Staff of the University.
They will be required to receive a positive assessment after the training, before resumption of duty.
The statement, said the two are also required to undergo annual assessment for a period of five years.
A Fact-Finding Committee chaired by Justice Vida Akoto-Bamfo, a retired Supreme Court Judge, investigated allegations of misconduct against Prof. Gyampo and Dr. Butakor following the broadcast of the BBC documentary “Sex for Grades: Undercover in West African Universities”.
The Committee found evidence that they had contravened relevant provisions on misconduct in the University of Ghana Statutes and the Code of Conduct for Academic Senior Members, and recommended that the case be referred to the Disciplinary Committee for Senior Members.
The statement assured students, faculty, staff, stakeholders and the public of Management’s commitment to end any form of harassment, adding that it will not tolerate any such acts among students and employees of the University.
Meanwhile, University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), has welcomed the suspension of Prof. Gyampo and Dr. Butakor, but raised concerns about the financial implication the period of interdiction, may have on them.
In an interview with Radio Ghana, the President of UTAG, Dr. Samuel Ekuban, said the Association will pursue the matter at the Labour Commission or Court to appeal for its members if need be. He said UTAG is yet to meet on the matter.
