No malice intended against UEW - Amnesty International Ghana

Human rights organisation, Amnesty International Ghana has retracted an earlier statement in which the management of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) was accused of abusing the rights of some staff and students of the institution.

The statement titled, “Culture of Fear and Silence Brewing at the University of Education, Winneba” which was read at a press briefing on May 4, 2018, among other things, accused authorities of the UEW of constantly abusing the rights of lecturers and students to the extent of illegally evicting some officers from the University.

Part of the May 4, statement read “We have been following happenings within the University of Education, Winneba since July 2017 and about three weeks ago started an investigation into the reported cases of victimisation, wrongful dismissal and intimidation. We are becoming concerned about the plethora of human rights violations – including a culture of silence where both staff and students were afraid to speak to Amnesty”

The Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Rev. Prof. Afful Broni, at a press conference held by the University, however, described Amnesty International’s accusations as “one-sided, mischievous and full of falsehood” meant to stain the image of the University.

In reaction to the statement by Amnesty International Ghana, Mr. Robert Akoto Amoafo, Director of Amnesty International Ghana said his outfit did not intend to impute any malice against UEW by its statement but rather “to bring to light reported human rights issues that needed the attention of various stakeholders”.

Mr. Akoto, explained in a communiqué that the language and presentation used in the statement failed to fully meet the internal procedural standards of Amnesty International Ghana, hence, their decision to withdraw it.

“Amnesty International Ghana wishes to state that our 4th May, 2018 statement titled, “Culture of Fear and Silence Brewing at the University of Education” was only intended to bring to light reported human rights issues that needed the attention of various stakeholders. We recognise that the statement in its language and presentation did not fully meet our internal procedural standards and therefore wish to withdraw on this basis. Amnesty International Ghana will continue to monitor the situation at UEW,” he stated.

Source: Ghana Web (Click on link below for story)

https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/No-malice-intended-ag...