MPs not happy with conditions at the Universities

Members of Parliament has echoed the need for the government to commit adequate funds to improving conditions at the country's tertiary institutions.

They said conditions at the universities at present are so appalling that they cannot be compared with the situation as it obtained in the 60s. Making a statement on the problems facing the universities on the floor of the House, Mr. Edward Osei-Kwaku, NPP-Asokwa West, said it is regrettable that at least five students are made to occupy a single room meant for one or two students.

The MP said the conditions of service of the university lecturer are so poor that his monthly salary is woefully inadequate.

Mr. Osei-Kwaku revealed that information from an organization that advises universities in the United Kingdom says degrees awarded by universities in the country since 1996 are of low standard compared to those obtained in Britain. He urged all Ghanaians to collectively "sit up and gird our loins to find corrective measures" to address the problem.

All members on both sides of the House who associated themselves with the statement were of the view that unless adequate funding is allocated to tertiary education in the country, the nation cannot build a solid human resource foundation for development.

Contributors on the Minority side included Dr Richard Winfred Anane, NPP-Bantama, Papa Owusu-Ankomah, NPP-Sekondi, Mr. Agyei Acheampong, NPP-Bekwai, Mr. Kwadwo Adjei-Darko, NPP-Sunyani West, and Ms Christine Churcher, NPP-Cape Coast.

Those on the Majority side were the deputy leader and MP for Wa Central, Mr. Mumuni Abudu Seidu, Mr. John Kwekucher Ackah, NDC-Aowin Suaman, Mr. Seidu Paakuna Adamu, Deputy Western Regional Minister and MP for Bibiani, and Mr. Clement Tumfuga Bugase, Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture and MP for Navrongo Central.