A group within the University of Cape Coast ( UCC) has raised alarms over financial misconduct by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Johnson Nyarko Boampong, urging the government to launch a thorough investigation into his spending practices.
The anonymous group has highlighted concerns over substantial unapproved expenditures including $75,000 on per diems and over GHC600,000 on air tickets as indicated by receipts from Global Wings and Tours Limited.
These expenditures reportedly exceed the budgeted amounts for 2022 by over 268%.
The group claims that Professor Boampong’s actions, which include self-approved travels that cost the university GH¢2 million, significantly compromise the welfare of the university’s students and faculty.
This is particularly concerning given that the university is currently facing difficulties with paying utility bills, providing accommodation for students, and ensuring timely payment to lecturers.
ALSO READ: NAGRAT issues one-week ultimatum to govt over unpaid pensions for 700K workers
From February 2022 to December 2023, the Vice-Chancellor is reported to have traveled more than 20 times, with one particular trip in December 2023 costing GH¢118,267 just for the airfare.
The accusations extend to the oversight responsibilities of the Governing Council, which the group accuses of either neglecting its duties or being compromised.
The current financial governance by the Vice-Chancellor has not only destabilized the university’s fiscal standing but has also eroded trust within the university community.
Despite these lavish expenditures, Professor Boampong is criticized for not securing any significant grants during his tenure and controversially pushing for a two-year extension of his term beyond his 60th birthday, a move considered illegal by some.
The concerned group’s statement, shared with the Ghana News Agency, emphasizes that such fiscal irresponsibility cannot be tolerated as it undermines the core mission of education and research at the institution.
The call for accountability is growing louder, with some alumni preparing legal actions to address the alleged unlawful extension of Professor Boampong’s term.
The group insists that as the highest-ranking official of the university, the Vice-Chancellor has a fundamental legal obligation to act in the best interest of the institution, an obligation they claim he has failed to fulfill.
Share Our Post on The Topic ‘UCC members accuses Vice Chancellor of financial misconduct’.
To Read More Stories, Click Here.