University of Ghana sets up committee to investigate molestation
The Executive Committee of University of Ghana has set up a fact-finding committee to investigate the alleged molestation of a woman on campus on Thursday, March 31.
A statement signed by Mr J.M. Budu, Registrar, said the committee which is expected to present a report within the next few days was set up at an emergency meeting chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ernest Aryeetey, on Monday, April 4.
It said in accordance with the statutes of the university, the Disciplinary Committee for Junior Members would deliberate on the findings of the fact-finding committee and recommend appropriate sanctions to be applied to all students found to have breached university regulations in any way.
The statement said appropriate sanctions would also be applied to any member of staff found to have been negligent in their duties, regarding the incident.
It said the university was in close contact with the Ghana Police Service in order to assist in their investigations and urged members of the university community to be vigilant and report all cases of attempted theft and or theft to the relevant offices mandated to deal with such issues and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
“Mob action is not an option for a civilized community and this should be avoided in all cases “, it added.
The statement said meanwhile, the university has assured the public that it was reviewing existing policies and practices aimed at preventing the recurrence of such incidents and ensuring that all who enter the university premises to conduct business with the university could do so without fear or hindrance.
It said in the early hours of the day, a woman suspected to have stolen some items from Mensah Sarbah Hall was allegedly molested by some students of the university.
An amateur video footage said to have been taken during the incident gives an indication of the seriousness of the action by a mob.
“The university views this despicable act very seriously and condemns it in no uncertain terms “, the statement added.
It said since the incident took place, management of the university had taken various steps to establish the events that led to the unfortunate incident and gather crucial evidence to help in identifying the perpetrators of the act.
Source: GNA