17/09/2025
17TH SEPTEMBER, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS STATEMENT BY THE TAMALE TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ON POLICE BRUTALITY AGAINST PEACEFUL STUDENT DEMONSTRATORS AND CALL FOR URGENT INSTITUTIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY
The Tamale Technical University Alumni Association expresses deep concern and outrage over the recent events that unfolded on the university campus during a peaceful demonstration organized by students, jointly led by the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG).
What began as a lawful and peaceful protest tragically escalated into a violent confrontation due to the unprovoked and disproportionate use of force by officers of the Ghana Police Service. Eyewitness accounts confirm that the police fired live rounds at unarmed students, resulting in gunshot wounds to at least four students, who are currently receiving treatment at the university’s health facility. This blatant abuse of power is not only unjustified but also a gross violation of the fundamental human rights of the students.
As an Association representing the interests of all past students of Tamale Technical University, we unequivocally condemn the violent actions of the Ghana Police Service. We also find it imperative to emphasize that the students’ grievances—which include concerns over poor infrastructure, arbitrary and unjustified annual hikes in school fees, and allegations of mismanagement within the university administration—are legitimate and deserve immediate, comprehensive, and transparent responses.**
We are equally disappointed in the University Management’s **abysmal handling of the situation**. Rather than engaging the student leadership in dialogue and showing leadership in addressing their concerns, the Management chose to abdicate its responsibility and invited the police to suppress peaceful demonstrators. This represents a failure of leadership, a breach of trust, and a clear disregard for the welfare of the student body.
The Tamale Technical University Alumni Association therefore makes the following demands:
1. An immediate, independent investigation into the conduct of the Ghana Police Service, and the prosecution of officers found culpable in the shooting of students.
2. A public apology from both the Ghana Police Service and the University Management to the affected students and the wider university community.
3. Urgent medical and psychological support for the injured students, fully funded by the university and state.
4. A high-level stakeholder engagement, including student leadership, alumni, and independent bodies, to address the root causes of the demonstration, particularly:
*The deteriorating state of campus infrastructure;
* The continuous, unexplained increases in tuition and fees;
* Allegations of mismanagement within the university's administration.
5. Institutional reforms to ensure that future grievances are addressed through proper channels and that the university becomes a safe space for academic freedom, expression, and peaceful assembly.
Students are not adversaries—they are stakeholders, critical thinkers, and the lifeblood of the university. Treating them as enemies does not only damage the reputation of the institution, but it also undermines the democratic fabric of our society.
We call on the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, and all relevant national bodies to intervene swiftly and ensure that justice is served and reforms are enacted.
The Tamale Technical University Alumni Association stands in unwavering solidarity with the students and urges all parties to remain calm while the necessary steps are taken to ensure accountability, justice, and long-term solutions.
SIGNED
Prof Adams Issahaku
General Secretary
Engr. Dr. Jamal-Deen Kukurah
National President
