Accra, Oct. 16, GNA - The University of Ghana on Saturday said it does not recognize the status of the University Students Association of Ghana (USAG).

In a letter to the USAG signed by Mr. E. Padi-Tetteh, Assistant Registrar in response to an invitation letter sent to Professor Asensu-Okyere, Vice Chancellor (VC), University of Ghana, asking him to attend their handing over ceremony said: "I have been directed by the Vice Chancellor to inform you that USAG is not known to the University of Ghana."

It further stated that the VC would not be in town on the day of the ceremony and would therefore not be able to attend the function. When the Ghana News Agency contacted the Professor Asensu-Okyere on phone he confirmed having instructed his outfit to write the letter but did not assign any reasons to the university's assertion as he was "out of town".

The letter, which was read by the newly elected President of USAG, Mr. Thomas Ampem Nyarko at the second handing over ceremony by the association held at the premises of the University of Ghana, Accra City Campus was greeted with misgivings by students present. Mr. Nyarko said he was surprised since he could not fish out what exactly prompted the university to turn its back on USAG but added that the necessary contacts would be made to ascertain the reason behind the university's assertion.

Mr. Kelly Delata, the immediate past president of USAG said although the action of the University of Ghana was most unfortunate, he was not shocked because the VC's action on several occasion had sought to undermine the legitimacy of the association.

He noted that USAG was a registered body and had satisfied all requirements as an association through the due process.

"We have written formally to informUniversity of Ghana, presented our constitution, which they accepted, so we don't know what is happening".

Other sister universities recognise USAG and other educational institutions as well the Ministry of Education Youth and Sports and with the few years of its existence the leadership had distinguished itself as champions of the cause of students.

Mr. Delata urged the new leadership to detach student's issues from their political affiliations to fulfill their mission in office. He said they should discharge their functions within the confines of the constitution and also work with clear conscience and ensure that the powers of the office were not abused.

Mrs Cynthia Opoku-Mensah, President of the Students Representative Council (SRC), Accra City Campus said over the years students had resorted to demonstrations and strikes in an attempt to seek redress to their grievances adding that such steps had created suspicion and mistrust between students and the various university authorities. She appealed to the university authorities to consider student leaders as partners in the progress of the institutions rather than portray them as rabble-rousers.

"There is therefore the need for authorities to create an atmosphere of mutual trust so that their meetings with student leaders would see issues and grievances addressed peacefully."