Students at Tamale Technical University (TaTU) are calling for an immediate forensic audit of the university’s financial activities, citing severe mismanagement of internally generated funds (IGF) and a lack of transparency from the administration.
This demand, led by the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG), arises amid increasing tensions on campus. On Monday, a peaceful protest escalated into chaos when police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowd, resulting in injuries to at least four students.
Allegations of Financial Misconduct
Nurudeen Issahaku, the Public Relations Officer of the SRC, addressed the media on campus during a joint demonstration organized by the SRC and GRASAG. The two student unions accused the university management of diverting student fees, which are intended for academic and welfare-related services, into non-academic expenditures.
“We pay for medical services, sanitation in the hostels, examination fees, and development levies. Yet, there is a lack of accountability. We don’t see where the money goes,” one SRC executive told journalists.
The students expressed concern that fees have been increased without prior consultation, while critical services on campus remain either underfunded or dysfunctional. Perhaps most concerning is that two batches of graduates from the university have still not received their certificates, making it difficult for many to secure employment or pursue further studies.
Issahaku also told GHOne TV and Starr FM correspondent Noah Nash Hoenyefia that sanitary conditions in the student hostels are poor. “The hygiene and sanitation in our hostel bathrooms, as well as the surrounding areas, leave much to be desired,” Issahaku claimed.
Calls for Ministerial Intervention
The students are currently petitioning the Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, to appoint a reputable and independent audit firm to perform a comprehensive forensic investigation into the university’s finances.
“We believe that only an external audit can reveal the extent of financial mismanagement here and help save this institution from collapse,” said Issahaku, spokesperson for the SRC. They argue that without prompt action, the credibility of the university and the future of its students will be further jeopardized.
Violence Erupts: Four Students Injured
The protest took a violent turn when police from the Northern Regional Command reportedly used excessive force against unarmed students. Eyewitnesses and injured individuals told Noah Nash Hoenyefia that some police officers deployed tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
“We were demonstrating peacefully when, suddenly, the police began firing tear gas and shooting. People were running in all directions,” said one protester, Musah, who narrowly escaped injury.
Four students sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment at the Tamale Technical University Hospital. A nurse at the facility confirmed to the media that most of the injured are in stable condition and responding well to treatment. The full extent of their injuries has not yet been disclosed, but it is believed that the rubber bullets fired by the police caused them.
Public Outrage Over Police Conduct
The use of force by the police has sparked widespread condemnation, with students and civil society organizations calling for a full investigation into the incident.
“This was an avoidable tragedy. The students were not violent. The question now is, who gave the order to fire?” stated a representative from the Student Union, Issah Latifa.
The SRC and GRASAG are demanding that the Ghana Police Service explain the circumstances that led to the firing of rubber bullets at students and that disciplinary action be taken against any officers found culpable.
What’s Next?
As of the publication date, the Ministry of Education has not yet provided an official response to the petition or to the recent violent events on campus. Meanwhile, student leaders are determined to advocate for accountability, transparency, and justice from both university authorities and the police.
This incident raises serious concerns regarding student welfare and freedom of expression within Ghana’s tertiary institutions. Many individuals are calling for reforms that encourage dialogue rather than repression.
By: Hoenyefia Noah Nash/Starrfm.com.gh
