Accra, March 31, GNA - Four senior staff of the University of Ghana, Legon, have decided to vacate office while disciplinary proceedings go on in the face of the Mfodwo Report on examination malpractices, the Council of the University announced on Thursday.

A statement signed by Mr A.T. Konu, Registrar and Secretary to the Council, said this was one of the actions directed by the Council, which held a special session on Wednesday to discuss the Report on malpractices during the First Semester Examination of the 2004/05 academic year.

The statement said Council accepted the decision of the four officers, who were identified as Professor E. Ofori-Sarpong, Office of Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Kwasi Agyeman, Office of Head of Philosophy, Professor Clara Fayorsey, Office of Head of Sociology and Mr T. Tabi, Office of Director of Academic Affairs.

The statement said the Council noted with great concern and displeasure the findings of the Mfodwo Committee, which pointed among other things, to a general breakdown of discipline, administrative systems and procedures.

The Council directed that the University's disciplinary processes should be activated and persons against whom adverse findings had been made in the Report should be given a hearing.

It also directed that disciplinary processes should be concluded in the shortest possible time.

"The Council directed that the Executive Committee of the Academic Board should convene to discuss the Report of the Committee that reviewed the University's examination processes and take such steps as will ensure the integrity of the forthcoming end-of-semester examination."

The Council directed that further investigations should be carried out by the University to bring to closure those issues that the Mfodwo Committee "merely hinted at".

"Council wishes to assure the University community and the general public that it is resolved to take all the measures necessary to repair and to restore the much vaunted image and reputation of the University of Ghana."

The University was rocked by a scandal recently when it was revealed that leaked examination papers were sold on campus and grades were massaged. It was also disclosed that the son of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Kwadwo Asenso-Okyere was deeply involved.

The Prof Asenso-Okyere has vowed to implement the Mfodwo Committee Report to the letter and to punish those involved, including his son.