University of Environment and Sustainable Development Clarifies Recruitment Process
The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) has released a detailed response addressing recent allegations concerning its recruitment procedures. The statement, issued in response to a report that raised concerns about irregularities, reaffirms the institution’s dedication to due process, transparency, and accountability.
The university emphasized that all decisions were made in accordance with established protocols and approved by the Governing Council. This clarification came after a report published on June 26, 2025, claimed procedural breaches in the appointment of senior staff, including the dismissal of the Internal Auditor and the vetting of the Facilities Manager’s credentials.
UESD pointed out that the report appeared to rely on an interim document from the Credentials Vetting Committee (CVC), rather than the final findings. According to the university, all appointments, including those of directors and professors, were made only after Council review and ratification during its seventh meeting on November 12, 2020.
The rejoinder also addressed claims attributed to the former Chairman of the Council, noting that student admissions had not yet begun at the time of the appointments, and teaching activities were not underway. This, according to UESD, invalidates any justification of urgency.
Formation of the Credentials Vetting Committee
The formation of the CVC was outlined as taking place in June 2023, following GTEC’s intention to audit staff qualifications. Financial constraints initially delayed the process, but the university later established an internal vetting committee, whose operations were sanctioned by the Council at its 16th meeting.
Staff unions have sought clarity regarding the resubmission of documents for the audit, and the university stated that their concerns led to the Council’s approval for using previously submitted records. Additionally, two internal representatives were appointed to the vetting committee.
Specific Cases Addressed
The university confirmed that Mr. Emmanuel Opoku Ware’s appointment as Director of Internal Audit was terminated on June 5, 2024, after the CVC could not verify portions of his credentials. This decision adhered to institutional statutes and the Internal Audit Agency Act, 2003 (Act 658).
In the case of Surveyor Isaac Abbam, Director of Physical Development and Estate Management, the rejoinder noted that his PhD certificate was not a prerequisite for his appointment. He was instructed to refrain from presenting himself as a PhD holder. UESD refuted claims of flawed selection, stating that Mr. Abbam ranked third, not fifth, and was selected based on alignment with the University’s operational needs.
Ongoing Credential Verification
UESD emphasized that credential verification is an ongoing process. Measures include police clearance, GTEC reviews, and periodic internal audits to ensure institutional integrity.
The university expressed appreciation for the media’s pursuit of accountability but criticized the reliance on incomplete records and generalized inquiries. It affirmed that the Vice-Chancellor voluntarily responded to media questions and that future engagements would benefit from specificity and inclusion of diverse Council perspectives.
Commitment to Education and Governance
With all academic programs accredited by GTEC, successful graduation of its first cohort, and ongoing expansion into postgraduate studies, UESD reaffirmed its mission to deliver sustainable education and uphold governance standards.
The university called for equal media visibility of its rejoinder to correct public perceptions and uphold ethical journalistic practices.
