By; Desmond Asare
The Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), has been plunged into turmoil following a directive from the Rector, Professor Samuel Kwaku Bonsu, ordering staff residing in campus bungalows to vacate their homes to make way for a planned demolition exercise.
The order has triggered widespread agitation among lecturers, administrative staff, and their families—many of whom have lived in the quarters for decades.
Fears are mounting that the sudden eviction could severely disrupt their livelihoods, academic responsibilities, and the broader stability of the institute.
Families in Distress
For the affected staff, the quarters represent far more than just accommodation. Some have raised families in the bungalows, living there for over 20 years.
“This is the only home my children know,” said a teary-eyed mother of three.
“At this time of year, finding alternative accommodation in Accra is nearly impossible. Without a roof over our heads, how are we expected to continue working?”
Another staff member added: “We are not squatters. We’ve served this institution faithfully, yet we are being treated like strangers.”
Staff members cite skyrocketing housing costs in Accra and the logistical challenges of relocating as serious concerns. Many fear that having to commute long distances to work will hurt productivity and morale.
Alleged Political Retaliation
The directive comes just months after the December 2024 general elections, during which the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) reportedly won all polling stations on the GIMPA campus.
Some aggrieved staff allege that Prof. Bonsu covertly provided financial incentives in an attempt to sway votes toward then-flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
When that effort failed, they claim, the Rector initiated the eviction as a form of political reprisal.
Concerns have been further fueled by Prof. Bonsu’s known political affiliations—he served on two of the NPP’s 2024 manifesto committees: Youth and Sports, and Education. Critics say this undermines perceptions of neutrality and lends weight to suspicions of politically motivated action.
Political analysts warn that if the demolitions proceed, the government risks being portrayed as unsympathetic to the plight of ordinary public sector workers.
Threat to Academic Stability
The planned evictions are expected to impact lecturers, administrators, security personnel, and cleaning staff—raising concerns about disruptions to academic operations.
“If our families are displaced, morale will collapse. The academic calendar will suffer,” one lecturer warned.
Meanwhile, staff have questioned the rationale behind prioritising demolitions when several key infrastructure projects remain stalled.
These include the renovation of the UN Block, the Graduate School building, the deteriorating Executive Conference Centre, and the delayed GETFund hostel project.
The controversy has also drawn attention to governance issues at GIMPA.
Some insiders allege that the Council Chairman, Professor Yaw Agyeman Badu, appointed by President John Mahama and sworn in by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu earlier this year, lacks the independence to hold the Rector accountable.
“He was granted a post-retirement contract by the Rector. That’s why he doesn’t challenge his decisions,” a source close to the Council claimed.
Several staff described Prof. Bonsu as “vindictive” and “unforgiving,” accusing him of running the institute with an iron fist.
“His appointment was initially welcomed because he was seen as one of us,” said a senior staff member. “But he’s turned out worse. His leadership has divided the campus and worsened conditions.”
Labour Unions Mobilise
GIMPA’s internal labour unions are now mobilising to resist the directive, calling the evictions unjust and inhumane.
“If this directive is enforced, the entire country will hear our cry,” a union leader declared.
Calls for Intervention
With tensions rising, stakeholders are urging the Presidency to step in. They are calling for an immediate halt to the demolition exercise, a review of Prof. Bonsu’s contract extension, and swift action to safeguard the welfare of affected staff.
“This matter has gone beyond campus politics. It is a national test of leadership and justice,” a senior administrator concluded.
