The University of Ghana has taken a step towards gender inclusivity by revising its Statutes, according to the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Gordon Akanzuwine Awandare.
This announcement was made during the university’s launch of a new five-year strategic plan, which also included the unveiling of updated human resource and administrative procedures. The event took place on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at the Great Hall.
Prof. Awandare highlighted the significance of these changes, noting that the new statutes will incorporate gender-neutral pronouns, replacing the exclusive use of “he” or “she.”
“One of the significant changes is our shift towards a gender-inclusive stance. The language has been updated to reflect more inclusive terms, moving away from solely ‘he’ or ‘she’ references,” Prof. Awandare stated.
The revision of the statutes is part of a broader initiative to align the university’s regulations with contemporary and emerging national and institutional policies and processes.
Prof. Awandare emphasized that this update supports the Vice Chancellor’s vision of creating a vibrant and responsive governance and management system.
“The revision is in furtherance of the Vice Chancellor’s vision, which is to make the institute a vibrant and responsive governance and management system, and also to update and align the statutes with current and emerging national and university-level policies and operational processes,” he explained.
The previous statutes, established in 2014, already included provisions aimed at promoting gender inclusivity and fostering an environment free from gender-based discrimination and bias. The new revisions build on this foundation, underscoring the university’s ongoing commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of its culture.
Since 2020, the University of Ghana has confronted several distressing incidents targeting its LGBTQ community, reflecting broader societal and legislative challenges in Ghana.
One notable incident occurred in January 2024, when a gay man was brutally assaulted on the university’s Legon campus.
This attack began when women who had accommodated him discovered his sexual orientation, and he suffered further violence the following day from a refuse collector.