Accra: The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) has issued a formal rejoinder clarifying its position regarding a recent media report that alleged irregularities in its recruitment process. The university strongly affirms its commitment to due process, transparency, and accountability, underscoring its adherence to the highest standards in recruitment practices, according to the rejoinder shared with the GNA on Monday.
According to Ghana News Agency, the rejoinder follows a June 26, 2025, publication by The Fourth Estate alleging procedural breaches in the appointment of senior staff, including the dismissal of the Internal Auditor and the vetting of the Facilities Manager's credentials. UESD maintains that decisions were grounded in established protocols and approved by the Governing Council.
The University stated that the report appeared to rely on an interim document from the Credentials Vetting Committee (CVC), rather than its final findings. It explained that all appointments, including those of directors and professors, were made only after Council review and ratification during its seventh meeting on November 12, 2020.
UESD disputed claims attributed to the former Chairman of the Council, noting that student admissions had not commenced at the time of the appointments and teaching activities were not underway, nullifying the justification of urgency. The rejoinder outlined the formation of the CVC in June 2023, after GTEC's intention to audit staff qualifications.
Financial constraints delayed the process, but the University later instituted an internal vetting committee whose operations were sanctioned by the Council at its 16th meeting. Staff unions sought clarity, not resistance, over document resubmission for the audit, according to the rejoinder. Their concerns led to Council's approval for using previously submitted records and appointing two internal representatives to the vetting committee.
The University confirmed that Mr. Emmanuel Opoku Ware's appointment as Director of Internal Audit was terminated on June 5, 2024, after the CVC could not verify portions of his credentials. This decision adhered to institutional statutes and the Internal Audit Agency Act, 2003 (Act 658).
In the case of Surveyor Isaac Abbam, Director of Physical Development and Estate Management, the rejoinder noted that his PhD certificate was not a prerequisite for his appointment. He was instructed to refrain from presenting himself as a PhD holder. UESD refuted claims of flawed selection, stating Mr. Abbam ranked third, not fifth, and was selected based on alignment with the University's operational needs.
UESD emphasized that credential verification is ongoing. Measures include police clearance, GTEC reviews, and periodic internal audits to ensure institutional integrity. The University expressed appreciation for The Fourth Estate's pursuit of accountability but criticized the reliance on incomplete records and generalized inquiries.
It affirmed that the Vice-Chancellor voluntarily responded to media questions and that future engagements would benefit from specificity and inclusion of diverse Council perspectives. With all academic programs accredited by GTEC, successful graduation of its first cohort, and ongoing expansion into postgraduate studies, UESD reaffirmed its mission to deliver sustainable education and uphold governance standards.
The University called for equal media visibility of its rejoinder to correct public perceptions and uphold ethical journalistic practices.
