CONFIDENTIAL 

MEMORANDUM TO THE NATIONAL LIBERATION COUNCIL 

SUBJECT: KUMASI UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (KUST) 

Vice Chancellor: Mr. R.P. Baffour 
Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. C. Levine 
Registrar : Mr. E.A. Ulzen 

2. The intention is to indicate the way in which the holders of the offices above have betrayed their positions of trust and have acted in many ways contrary to the best academic interests and traditions. The point is that they could have behaved much better, being in a university where political influence, if not invited, could be reduced to the minimum. 
3. As a semi autonomous Institution, unwanted political influence could hardly blame for a lot of what has happened at KUST. A lot of favouritism exists, even in academic appointments, and there are a lot of irregularities in the administration. 
4. (a) A few examples of the gross irregularities below: In general, the whole set up is as confused as the old regime was. 

Prestige Projects 

(i) An Olympic standard swimming pool, the siting of which did not reflect the lot of engineering know-how on the campus. 

(ii) An expensive but unnecessary fly-over. 

(iii) An expensive university entrance. 

(iv) A luxurious staff club. 

(v) A new Vice Chancellors bungalow (he already had a very good one) while all these projects were going on, the academic staff had to be housed in rented places in town and the old hospital (small, asbestos sheet walled, and now completely inadequate) was left untouched. (b) Professor Levine, head of the Faculty of Engineering had concentrated all power within the University on himself and he could take any decisions he wanted to take. He abolished all divisions within the Faculty and dismissed people just as he wanted. The following competent people left the University because they disagreed with him (Dr. Levine).

(i) Professor J. Lyddiard, head of Electrical Engineering after ten years at KUST. (ii) Mr. S.A. Urry, a very learned Senior lecturer in Mechanical Engineering whose books in Aerodynamics and Strength of Materials are standard textbooks in English speaking Universities.
(iii) Mr. Berzins, Senior Lecturer in Thermodynamics
(iv) Mr. Southwell a very good Senior Lecturer in Mechanics of Machines.
(v) and finally a year ago Professor S.R. Sparkes, Professor of Engineering structures of the University of London (Imperial College of Science and Technology) resigned his connections with the University. He had been external examiner and academic adviser to the University since 1958. 

By this time the more senior academic members of staff had learnt to keep quiet and the whole atmosphere was anything but academic. All this time the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar just looked on and the university became a laughing stock.

5. These very people have just started paying up service to the new Government. Their record has been so unprincipled that they must not be allowed to hold power any longer; and one of them in the same position may poison the system. 
6. A very principled person, Professor K. Twum-Barima, may be a good candidate for the Vice Chancellorship at K.U.S.T. He is the Principal designate of the proposed University of Agriculture, which he advised against on the grounds that the existing facilities were adequate for our Agricultural needs provided optimum use was made of them. 
7. The writer believes in the National Liberation Council principle of non-vindication but holds the view that when leaders of informed opinion betray their trust to such an extent, as these people have done, it may be in the best interests of the country to make them serve in positions where they cannot mislead, otherwise they form the nuclei around which these malpractices may grow again. 
8. A public enquiry may shake public confidence in the University and may therefore be inadvisable. It is suggested that Professor S.R. Sparkes of London University who has given valuable advice on the setting up of the University since 1958, be invited to make recommendations on correcting the situation. This may include the review of the salary structure of academic staff as against qualifications an academic achievement and the structure of the Academic Board. 
9. It is proposed that a quick lock is given at the Board of Governors of KUST so that by the beginning of the next academic session everything is ready for a smooth take off. 
10. KUST has a very vital role to play in the life of Ghana in this technological age and thus deserves that attention. 
11. Looking round for capable Ghanaians to go to KUST. The following proposal is made, that Mr. E. Lartey; the co-ordinator of Industrial Research of the Ghana Academy of Sciences be given headship of the Faculty of Engineering. For the Registrar a capable Ghanaian Administrator may be found if the position is advertised. 
12. The writer is ready to serve in any capacity consistent with his qualifications and experience, when called upon to do so in this reorganisation. 

(Sgd) A.B. PUPLAMPU, M.Sc., D.I.C. Grad. I.C.E. 
ENGINEER 
OFFICE OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION 
ACCRA.

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