Asogli chiefs object to plans to rename Ho Technical University to Dr. Ephraim Amu Technical University

Chiefs and elders of Asogli State in the Volta Region have petitioned the Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, the Ho Municipal Chief Executive, Divine Bosson, and the vice chancellor of the Ho Technical University (HTU) over attempts to rename the university.

In August 2018, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, speaking at the university's 50th-anniversary durbar in Ho, noted that the university will be renamed after the late Dr. Ephraim Amu, a cultural icon from Peki in the region.

The president further said that parliament at the time was working with the school's authority to rename the school.

Days after the president's speech, Asogli chiefs opposed the idea and met with stakeholders over the case, and it appeared their opposition yielded a result.

But at a press conference held at Asogli Palace on Monday, April 22, 2024, the Agbogbomefia of Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, claimed there's 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 Asogli Council views the decision of the government and the governing council of the university to rename the university without due consultation with major stakeholders, including the Asogli State Council, the custodians of the land, as unfortunate, misplaced, and disrespectful.

"Our concern is heightened by the fact that the proposed name does not align with the university in any way.

"As much as the Chiefs and people of Asogli State recognize 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 emphasized 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 university is not aware of the renaming; however, the petition was received and would be dealt with.

The chiefs were clad in red and black attire after the press conference.

They took to the principal streets of the capital to show their displeasure over the development.

They were accompanied by the Asogli traditional warriors and some queen mothers and elders.