Chiefs of the Asogli State Council have reaffirmed their opposition to the government’s intention to rename the Ho Technical University.
The government’s proposal to rename the university after the late Dr. Ephraim Amu, who hailed from Peki in the Volta region first came to light in 2018 when President Akufo-Addo made the pronouncement at the university’s 50th anniversary ceremony in Ho.
According to the President, the move was a decision of the university’s Governing Council to which he had given his blessing, adding that he was going to trigger the necessary parliamentary process to ensure the name change.
This declaration was met with strong opposition from various stakeholders connected to the university leading to the suspension of the idea.
But speaking to the press at the Asogli palace in Ho on Monday, Togbe Adzilakle Howusu XII, Warlord of the Asogli state, on whose land the school is located revealed that the government has remained adamant on the issue and issued a stern disapproval.
The Chiefs are of a firm believe that renaming the university could impact its history, identity, values, and mission.
“Ho Technical University, an esteemed institution in the public domain, holds a special pride of place in the Volta Region, particularly for the people of the Asogli State on whose lands the University is situated. We have a strong attachment to the university’s brand, which is steadily gaining recognition both nationally and internationally.”
He stressed that, “It is imperative that this progress and reputation remain undisturbed, as frequent changes in the university’s name can lead to confusion among stakeholders, including students, alumni, and the general public, regarding its identity and mission.”
The Chiefs, though, are not oblivious to the achievements of Dr Ephraim Amu, they are of the view that these achievements are of limited relevance to the Ho Technical University’s core mandates.
“Much as the Chiefs and people of Asogli State recognize the achievements of Dr Ephraim Amu and his contributions to the development of the country, especially in the area of music and culture, these achievements and contributions though laudable, have limited relevance to the academic programmes and mission of the Ho Technical University.”
The Asogli State Council, has since submitted copies of its petition against the move to the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, the Ho Municipal Assembly and Management of the University.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5fm/Faisel Abdul-Iddrisu
