Suspension of UMaT Chief Justice and Steps to Restore Constitutional Governance.

Suspension of UMaT Chief Justice and Steps to Restore Constitutional Governance.

The Office of the President of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa H.E Anning Asumang Emmanuel Washington, has officially suspended the Chief Justice following serious allegations of constitutional violations within the university’s judicial system.

In a formal notice addressed to His Lordship Courage Kofi Oye, the SRC President cited multiple petitions highlighting misconduct within the Judicial Committee and the Office of the Chief Justice. The complaints include procedural irregularities, abuse of office, and actions that undermine the SRC’s system of checks and balances, threatening students’ fundamental rights.

Background of Petitions

The SRC President received two major petitions prompting the suspension:

1. SRC Chief of Staff Petition (14th February 2026): Challenges a ruling of the Judicial Committee and requests removal of the Chief Justice.
2. Judicial Committee Petition: Filed by Haywood Daniel Nana Amonoo, alleging the Chief Justice compelled newly elected satellite campus executives to take oaths under his authority.

Additionally, the petitions report irregular summoning of the SRC Chief of Staff at 2:15 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. on 14th February 2026, raising questions about administrative propriety and constitutional compliance.

Key Constitutional and Administrative Concerns

The petitions outline three principal issues:

1. Denial of Fair Hearing: The Chief of Staff was removed from office without the opportunity to defend himself, violating the audi alteram partem principle and Article 19(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees a fair hearing within a reasonable time.
2. Exceeding Jurisdiction: The Judicial Committee purported to remove an Executive Officer, a function reserved exclusively for the Legislative Assembly under Article 16 of the Constitution.
3. Legal Status of Judicial Committee: Members were reportedly not duly sworn in, making them legally incapable (locus standi) of performing official duties, including administering oaths, as stipulated in Article 8(2)(b)(vi) of the SRC Constitution.

Administrative Irregularities

An additional concern involves the use of the 19th Substantive Council’s letterhead to summon the SRC Chief of Staff, despite the current administration being the 20th Substantive Council (2025/2026). This raises doubts over the authenticity, authority, and constitutional validity of the documents issued under the previous administration.

SRC President’s Decision

After reviewing the petitions against the SRC Constitution, the President of the SRC has suspended the Chief Justice and initiated immediate measures to restore constitutional governance. The decision seeks to protect the integrity of the SRC, ensure lawful administration, and reaffirm adherence to the university’s constitutional provisions.

The move underscores the SRC’s commitment to upholding accountability, transparency, and the rights of all students within the university.