Management of Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) has issued a strongly-worded response to allegations made by a group calling itself ‘Concerned Staff’ against the Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Dr. Bishop Akolgo.
In a press statement dated February 23, 2026, Management declared: “The allegations against the Governing Council Chairman, Dr. Bishop Akolgo, are false in their entirety. The Governing Council and Management remain fully confident in his leadership.”
The management statement directly addressed the group’s claim that Dr. Akolgo lacks the requisite experience in higher education management as required under Section 5(1) of the Technical Universities Act, 2016 (Act 922). Management rejected this assertion, describing Dr. Akolgo as a highly accomplished economist, researcher, trainer, facilitator, monitoring and evaluation specialist, and development specialist who holds multiple postgraduate degrees including a Doctorate in Economics and Finance.
The statement noted that he brings over three decades of professional experience in research, economic policy analysis, inclusive development, civil society leadership, and international development programming — including recognised expertise in the fight against illicit financial flows.
On the allegation that Council decisions have been unilateral acts by the Chairman, Management said this characterisation is factually incorrect. The statement emphasised that all decisions taken by the Governing Council since its inauguration in July 2025 have been collective decisions, reached at lawfully and properly convened meetings, duly recorded, and communicated through official channels to the university community. Management noted that characterising these decisions as personal actions of the Chairman is not only false but constitutes a deliberate misrepresentation of the university’s governance record.
Management provided specific clarifications on two decisions that had been misrepresented in the petition.
“First, the decision for the Vice-Chancellor to proceed on annual leave for certain compelling reasons was taken collectively by the full Council at its meeting held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, and communicated to the university community by circular on January 19, 2026. The Chairman did not act alone. Second, the decision to suspend Vice-Chancellor Prof. Samuel Erasmus Alnaa pending investigation into alleged procurement breaches involving GH¢27,967,992.00 in GETFund grants was reached unanimously at an Emergency Council meeting held on Friday, February 13, 2026, and communicated by circular to the university community on Monday, February 16, 2026.”
Management stressed that both were collective decisions of the Council, not unilateral actions by the Chairman.
Addressing claims of administrative overreach, the management stated that by law and by statute, the Governing Council exercises supervisory and strategic authority over the university. However, the statement insisted that the Chairman has never interfered with day-to-day management by directly issuing orders to academic and non-academic staff on managerial issues. Management clarified that a meeting held between the Chairman and management personnel such as Deans and Heads of Departments on November 4, 2025, was approved by Council at its meeting on October 10, 2026, and was organised by Management with the express orders and active involvement of the Vice-Chancellor.
On the procurement allegations that led to the Vice-Chancellor’s suspension, Management stated that the matter involves serious concerns regarding the irregular disbursement of GH¢27,967,992.00 in GETFund grants. The university said this is a matter of public financial accountability that Council is obligated to investigate under Section 12 (1&2) of the Technical Universities Act, 2016 (Act 922) as amended, and Statute 9(4) of the Bolgatanga Technical University Statutes. Management affirmed the right of all staff to raise legitimate grievances but insisted that such grievances must be grounded in facts and pursued through the university’s established internal mechanisms, including formal petitions and the grievance procedures set out in the university’s statutes.
Management issued a stern warning to those behind the allegations. The statement cautioned: “Those who have authored or circulated these allegations should be aware that false and defamatory statements carry legal consequences under both Ghanaian law and the University’s own Statutes and policies. The University will not hesitate to pursue all lawful remedies available to protect the integrity of its leadership and the reputation of the institution”.
Management also stated that resorting to public campaigns based on unverified and damaging claims undermines institutional stability, harms the university’s reputation, and is inconsistent with the professional obligations of academic and administrative staff.
In its conclusion, Management urged the university community and the general public to dismiss the allegations. The statement said: “We urge students, staff, partners, and the general public to disregard the unsubstantiated claims in circulation and treat them with the contempt that they deserve.”
Management reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, good governance, and the rule of law. Copies of the press statement were sent to the Minister of Education, the Attorney General, the Upper East Regional Minister, the Director-General of GTEC, the National Labour Commission, and other key stakeholders.
