The Tamale Technical University (TaTU) Alumni Association has issued a forceful condemnation of the recent violent police intervention in a student protest, demanding an immediate, independent investigation into the incident that left at least four students injured. The Association’s statement, signed by its National President, characterized the police response as an “unprovoked and disproportionate use of force,” raising serious concerns about the escalating tensions between students and authorities on campus. The protest, organized by the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG), aimed to address critical issues plaguing the university, including deteriorating infrastructure, increasing tuition fees, and allegations of administrative mismanagement. The Alumni Association’s statement argues that the peaceful demonstration turned violent when police officers opened fire on unarmed students, resulting in gunshot injuries requiring medical treatment. This action, according to the Association, represents a severe breach of the students’ fundamental human rights and demands immediate accountability.
The core of the Alumni Association’s demands centers on a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the police conduct during the protest. This investigation, they insist, must be independent to ensure impartiality and credibility. The Association calls for the prosecution of any officers found culpable in the use of live ammunition against protesting students. Furthermore, they demand a public apology from both the Ghana Police Service and the university administration for the excessive force employed and the resulting injuries. The statement highlights the importance of accountability at the highest levels to deter similar incidents in the future and restore trust within the university community. Beyond addressing the immediate aftermath of the incident, the Association’s demands extend to broader institutional reforms and systemic changes aimed at preventing future clashes.
The Alumni Association’s statement goes beyond simply condemning the police actions; it also criticizes the university administration’s handling of the situation. They argue that the decision to involve the police, rather than engaging in dialogue with student leaders, represents a critical failure of leadership, a breach of trust, and a blatant disregard for the well-being of the student body. This approach, they contend, escalated the situation unnecessarily and contributed to the violence that ensued. The Association stresses the importance of open communication and collaborative problem-solving between the administration and student representatives as essential elements in fostering a healthy and productive academic environment. By emphasizing the need for dialogue and understanding, the Association underscores the significance of addressing the underlying concerns that led to the protest in the first place.
In addition to the investigation and institutional reforms, the Alumni Association calls for comprehensive support for the injured students. This includes fully funded medical care and psychological support to address both the physical and emotional trauma resulting from the incident. Recognizing that the protest stems from deeper systemic issues, the Association advocates for a stakeholder dialogue involving students, faculty, administration, and relevant government bodies to address the root causes of the unrest. This dialogue, they suggest, should focus on finding long-term solutions to the issues of deteriorating infrastructure, rising tuition fees, and alleged administrative mismanagement that sparked the protest. By addressing these underlying concerns, the Association hopes to create a more stable and conducive learning environment for all students.
The Alumni Association’s statement also calls upon external bodies to intervene and contribute to resolving the crisis. Specifically, they call on the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, and other relevant stakeholders to take swift action to restore trust and ensure a safer, more responsive academic environment at TaTU. This appeal for external intervention underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for a collaborative effort to address the systemic issues at play. The Association believes that the involvement of these higher authorities is crucial for holding both the university administration and the police accountable and for implementing lasting reforms that prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
In concluding their statement, the Alumni Association appeals for calm and encourages a collective effort towards achieving justice, accountability, and sustainable solutions. They emphasize the importance of unity within the university community to address the challenges facing the institution and to create a more positive and productive learning environment. By calling for a collective effort, they underscore the shared responsibility of all stakeholders – students, faculty, administration, alumni, and government bodies – to work together towards resolving the issues and building a stronger, more resilient university community. This call for calm and collaborative action reflects the Association’s commitment to finding constructive solutions and fostering a more positive future for TaTU.
