UDS Renaming …Rawlings Turns Down Offer

Former President Jerry John Rawlings has refused attempts by the Akufo-Addo led administration to rename the University of Development Studies (UDS) after him.

According to the Former Statesman, he has a long-standing principle not to have national monuments and facilities named after him.

This was announced in a press release signed and issued on Tuesday April 9 by Kobina Andoh Amoakwa from the Communications Directorate of the former President’s Office.

“In November 2015, when the then-government of the day offered to name the Offshore Cape Three Points Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel after him, he turned down the offer as well.

“The former President has since the publication of the details of the new bill to be tabled to Parliament, written to the Minister of Education to reiterate his position and kindly requested that the re-naming of UDS after him be withdrawn from the draft bill to be submitted to Parliament”. the statement reads.

The statement added that Mr Rawlings “once again thanks the President and all those, who, in diverse ways, are keen on recognising his contribution to the development of education in the country.”

The proposed law which seeks to change the structure of the governing councils of the public universities with the majority of the members being appointed by the President has been opposed by many describing it as ‘dangerous and unnecessary’.

The minority has described the proposals as worrisome. According to them, the bill, which is yet to be laid in Parliament has severe consequences as far as academic freedom and the autonomy of universities are concerned.