The NDC Flagbearer, John Mahama, has waded into the debate on the Public Universities Bill that has been laid in parliament.
In a post on his facebook wall, Mr Mahama made a strong case for government to withdraw the Bill because it seeks to control and undermine the independence of intellectuals and other researchers in state-owned universities.
He said in its current form, it is unclear what problems or challenges in higher education the Bill seeks to resolve.
In his view, the Bill has the probability to colonise public universities in the country, undermine academic freedom, stifle scholarly initiative and subject research and researchers to needless and unproductive government control.
Mr. Mahama stressed that public universities need partnership that fosters academic freedom, efficiency and investments in research and development.
He cited the KNUST-INCAS COVID-19 rapid test kit innovation as one such outcome that is begging for support. The NDC Flag bearer therefore called on Government to listen to the concerns of key stakeholders and withdraw the Bill.
