Chiefs and elders of the Asogli State have petitioned the Volta Regional Minister, Archibald Yao Letsa, the Ho municipal chief executive, Divine Bosson, and the vice chancellor of the Ho Technical University (HTU) on plans to rename the university.
In August 2018, President Nana Akufo Addo speaking at the university’s 50th anniversary durbar in Ho noted that the instituion will be renamed after the late Ephraim Amu, a cultural icon from Peki in the region.
The president further noted that the Parliament at the time was working with the school’s authority for the renaming.
Days after the president’s speech, Asogli chiefs say they are opposed to the idea and
The chiefs met with stakeholders over the case.
At a press conference held at Asogli palace on Monday (22 April 2024), the Agbogbomefia of Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV claimed there is a fresh attempt to rename the university and he is against it.
Speaking on behalf of Togbe Afede XIV, Togbe Howusu XII of Ho Dome said, “The attention of the Asogli State Council has once again been drawn to the attempts by the authorities of the Ho Technical University and the government to rename the institute to Dr Ephraim Amu Technical University”.
The chief further said, “The Asogli Council views the decision of the government and the governing council of the university to rename the institution without due consultation with major stakeholders including the Asogli State Council, the custodians of the land, as unfortunate, misplaced and disrespectful”.
Togbe argued that “Our concern is heightened by the fact that the proposed name does not align with the university in any way.”
“Much as the chiefs and people of Asogli State recognise the achievements of Dr Ephraim Amu and his contributions to the development of the country, especially in the area of music and culture, these achievements and contributions though laudable, have limited relevance to the academic programmes and mission of the Ho Technical University” he added.
The chief emphasised that “We wish to re-echo our total objection to the attempt to rename the University. Our position is that the name of the institute should remain Ho Technical University. This is our position and we firmly stand by it”.
The university’s registrar, Dr Christopher Amexo who received the petition on behalf of the vice chancellor said the management of the institution is not aware of the renaming, however, the petition is received and would be dealt with.
The chiefs clad in red and black attires after the press conference took to principal streets of the capital to show their displeasure over the development. They were accompanied by Asogli Traditional Warriors and some queens and elders.
Reporting by Albert Kuzor in the Volta Region
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