Upper East Minister Constitutes Independent Committee to Examine Allegations at Bolgatanga Technical University
The Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, has taken steps to address concerns surrounding Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) by inaugurating an independent five-member committee to look into allegations made against the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Erasmus Alnaa. This action comes after a petition was presented by the Sumbrungu Development Association on June 3, 2025, calling for official attention to issues affecting the University and its host community.
The fact-finding team is chaired by Mr. Adugbire Didacus Afegra, a retired educationist and social development practitioner. He is joined by Hajia Zeinabu Mohammed Ayariga of the National Development Planning Commission, Mr. Razak Abdul-Korah, the Regional Director of Education, and Mr. Sagito Issaka, a retired development planner. Administrative support for the committee will be provided by Mr. John Muniru, an officer at the Regional Coordinating Council, who will act as Secretary.
At the inauguration ceremony, the Regional Minister emphasized that the committee was not set up to pass judgment but to establish the facts in a fair and transparent manner. He noted that government has a duty to respond to public petitions by ensuring that all parties are given the opportunity to be heard and that issues are resolved through due process rather than speculation or conflict.
The committee has been tasked to examine several matters raised in the petition. These include concerns over a contested land agreement involving the University and the Sumbrungu community, possible environmental and public health risks linked to an open gutter associated with the institution, and the nature of BTU’s engagement with traditional leaders. Allegations that members of the local community have been sidelined in employment opportunities at the University will also be carefully reviewed.
According to the Minister, the committee is required to study both the petition and the Vice Chancellor’s formal response in detail. It will also collect and assess relevant documents, consult all affected stakeholders, and undertake site inspections where necessary. All findings must be properly verified before conclusions are drawn.
Beyond the specific allegations, the committee is expected to consider how its findings may affect peace in the area, community development efforts, environmental safety, and the public standing of Bolgatanga Technical University. The Minister stressed that the ultimate goal is to promote cooperation and mutual understanding between the University and its surrounding communities.
The committee has been given seven working days, beginning February 3, 2026, to complete its assignment and submit a comprehensive report with practical recommendations. The Regional Minister appealed to all stakeholders to cooperate fully with the committee and to remain calm throughout the process, reaffirming government’s commitment to peaceful coexistence between public institutions and the communities they serve.
