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University for Development Studies Act, 2025 (Act 1143)

From The Legal and Regulatory Framework of Ghana

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

University for Development Studies

1. Establishment of the University for Development Studies
2. Aims of the University
3. Campuses of the University
4. Award of degrees, diplomas and certificates

Governance of the University

5. University Council
6. Functions of the Council
7. General powers of the Council
8. Tenure of office of members of the Council
9. Meetings of the Council
1O. Disclosure of interest
11. Establishment of committees
12. Allowances

Administration of the University

13. Principal Officers of the University
14. Chancellor of the University ,,
15. Vacancy in office of the Chancellor
16. Vice-Chancellor of the University
17. Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University
18. Academic Board
19. Composition of the Academic Board
20. Functions of the Academic Board
21. Committees of the Academic Board
22. The Registrar
23. Director of Finance
24. Appointment of other staff
25. Internal organisation of the University

Financial Provisions

26. Funds of the University
27. Borrowing powers
28. Internal Audit Unit
29. Accounts and audit
30. Annual report and other reports
31. Exemption from taxes, duties and other charges

Miscellaneous Provisions

32. Statutes of the University
33. Convocation
34. Matriculation
35. Congregation
36. Student governance
37. Intellectual property
38. Academic freedom
39. Anti-discrimination
40. Dispute settlement
41. Interpretation
42. Repeal and savings
43. Transitional provisions

SCHEDULE

Official Oaths

LONG TITLE

AN ACT to establish the University for Development Studies and to provide for related matters.

DATE OF ASSENT

25th July, 2025.

ACT

University for Development Studies

1. Establishment of the University for Development Studies

(1) There is established by this Act, the University for Development Studies as a body corporate.

(2) For the performance of the functions of the University, the University may acquire and hold property, dispose of property and enter into a contract or any other related transaction.

(3) Where there is a hindrance to the acquisition of land, the land may be acquired for the University under the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036) and the cost shall be borne by the University.


2. Aims of the University

(1) The aims of the University are to

(a) provide higher education to persons suitably qualified and capable of benefitting from higher education;
(b) undertake research and promote the advancement and dissemination of knowledge and the application of the knowledge to the needs and aspirations of the people of

Ghana; and

(c) blend the academic world with the community in order to provide constructive interaction between the academic world and the community for the total development of northern Ghana in particular and the country as a whole.

(2) For the purpose of achieving the aims of the University under subsection (1), the University shall

(a) emphasise studies in
(i) agricultural science;
(ii) medical health and allied health sciences;
(iii) sustainable development studies;
(iv) social sciences and humanities;
(v) business studies; and
(vi) engineering science;
(b) train students in methods of critical and independent thinking to create awareness of the responsibility of students to use education for the general good of the

Ghanaian society;

(c) undertake research and provide practical training in the subjects taught, particularly subjects which relate to agriculture, social sciences, economics, health, environment and culture and shall, in the training, use and rely on materials available in the northern part of the country in particular and the country in general;
(d) disseminate the knowledge acquired through the teaching and work of the University through extension services, publication of books, journals, papers and any other suitable means;
(e) develop and maintain a close relationship with the people of the northern part of the country in particular and the rest of the country in general; and
(f) make higher education equally accessible to all on the basis of capacity by every appropriate means.

(3) In furtherance of paragraph (f) of subsection (2), the University shall ensure that the proportion of fee-paying students at any time does not exceed the percentage approved by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission in consultation with the Minister.

(4) For the purpose of subsection (1), "community" means a rural or peri-urban village or town of not more than five hundred households used as a laboratory where the University has placed students to live with the people, study the problems faced by the people and recommend interventions to solve the problems.


3. Campuses of the University

(1) The University shall have campuses in Tamale, Nyankpala, Choggu and Yendi in the Northern Region.

(2) The main campus of the University shall be in Tamale.

(3) The University may, subject to approval from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, establish a campus in any other place that the Council may determine.


4. Award of degrees, diplomas and certificates

(1) The University shall, in accordance with subsection (8) of section 14,

(a) award degrees, diplomas and certificates; and
(b) confer honorary degrees.

(2) The University may withdraw a degree, a diploma or a certificate that the University has awarded if the University has evidence that proves that

(a) the degree, diploma or certificate was obtained through fraud or academic malpractice; or
(b) the process of acquiring the degree, diploma or certificate was tainted by an act that, in the opinion of the University, undermines the integrity of the award.


Governance of the University

5. University Council

(1) The governing body of the University is a Council consisting of

(a) a chairperson, nominated by the President;
(b) the Vice-Chancellor;
(c) three members of the Convocation representing
(i) the professorial staff,
(ii) the non-professorial staff, and
(iii) the non-teaching staff
nominated by the Convocation in accordance with the Statutes of the University;
(d) one representative each of
(i) the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, not below the rank of a Director nominated by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission;
(ii) the University Teachers' Association of Ghana, nominated by the University Teachers' Association of Ghana;
(iii) the alumni of the University, who is not a member of staff of the University, nominated by the Alumni Association of the University;
(iv) the undergraduate students of the University, nominated by the Students' Representative Council;
(v) the post-graduate students of the University, nominated by the Graduate Students' Association of Ghana;
(vi) the junior staff, nominated by the junior staff members of the University; '
(vii) the senior staff, nominated by the senior staff members of the University; and
(viii) the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools, nominated by the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools; and
(e) three other persons nominated by the President, at least one of whom is a woman, and another from a relevant industry.

(2) The President shall appoint the chairperson and other members of the Council in accordance with article 70 of the Constitution.

(3) The President shall, in making the nominations under paragraphs (a) and (e) of subsection (1), have regard to

(a) academic and professional qualifications;
(b) leadership qualities;
(c) expertise in finance and management; and
(d) knowledge and relevant experience in business or sustainable development studies.

(4) The chairperson shall, in the absence of the Chancellor, preside at the Congregation and any other meeting or ceremony of the University.


6. Functions of the Council

The Council shall

(a) ensure the achievement of the aims of the University;
(b) determine the strategic direction of the University;
(c) monitor and evaluate the implementation of policies of the University;
(d) promote income-generating activities as part of the programmes of the University;
(e) control the finances of the University and determine the allocation and effective and efficient use of funds of the University;
(f) ensure the conservation and augmentation of the resources of the University, specifically in relation to matters affecting income or expenditure of the University;
(g) ensure the creation of an environment of equal opportunity for members of the University without regard to gender, occupation, race, disability, colour, ethnicity, religion, creed, social status, economic status or political affiliation;
(h) on the recommendation of the Appointment Committee of the Academic Board, make professorial level appointments as specified in the Statutes of the University;
(i) be the final decision-making body on matters of discipline in the University;
(j) collaborate with accredited Universities within or outside the country with similar objects as may be determined by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission; and
(k) perform any other function that is necessary to achieve the aims of the University.


7. General powers of the Council

(1) Subject to this Act, the Council may act or provide for any matter in relation to the University which the Council considers necessary or expedient.

(2) The conferment of particular powers on the Council by other provisions of this Act shall not limit the generality of this section.


8. Tenure of office of members of the Council

(1) A member of the Council, other than the Vice-Chancellor, shall hold office for a term of three years and is eligible for re-appointment for another term only.

(2) Where a member of the Council, other than the Vice-Chancellor, is absent from three consecutive meetings of the Council without reasonable cause, the office of that member shall become vacant.

(3) A member of the Council, other than the Vice-Chancellor, may resign from office in writing, addressed to the President through the Minister.

(4) The President may, in writing, revoke the appointment of a member of the Council for inability to perform the functions of that member, for stated misconduct or for any other just cause.

(5) Where the office of a member becomes vacant by reason of death, resignation or the absence of the member for three consecutive meetings of the Council without reasonable cause, another person nominated by the relevant body shall be appointed to serve for the unexpired term of the office of that member.


9. Meetings of the Council

(1) The Council shall meet at least four times in each academic year for the conduct of business at a time and place determined by the chairperson.

(2) The quorum for a meeting of the Council is nine members.

(3) The chairperson shall preside at a meeting of the Council and in the absence of the chairperson, members of the Council shall elect one of the nominees of the Government present to preside.

(4) Matters before the Council shall be decided by consensus or by a majority of the members present and voting and in the event of an equality of votes, the person presiding shall have a casting vote.

(5) The Council may co-opt a person to attend and participate in a meeting of the Council, but a co-opted person is not entitled to vote at the meeting.

(6) The Pro Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar and the Director of Finance shall attend meetings of the Council but are not entitled to vote.

(7) The proceedings of the Council are not invalidated by reason of a vacancy among the members or by a defect in the appointment or qualification of a member.

(8) Subject to this section, the Council may, by Statutes of the University, determine the procedure for the meetings of the Council.


10. Disclosure of interest

(1) A member of the Council who has an interest in a matter for consideration

(a) shall disclose, in writing, the nature of the interest and the disclosure shall form part of the record of the consideration of the matter; and
(b) is disqualified from being present at or participating in the deliberations on or determination of the Council in respect of the matter.

(2) A member ceases to be a member of the Council if that member has an interest in a matter before the Council and

(a) fails to disclose the interest; or
(b) is present at or participates in the deliberations on the matter.

(3) Without limiting any further cause of action that may be instituted against a member of the Council, the Council shall, in addition to the revocation of the appointment of the member, recover any benefit derived by a member who contravenes subsection (1).


11. Establishment of committees

(1) For the purpose of achieving the aims of the University, the Council may establish committees that consist of members or non-members of the Council or both to perform a function of the Council.

(2) A committee that consists entirely of non-members of the Council is advisory only.

(3) A committee that consists of members and non-members of the Council shall be chaired by a member of the Council.

(4) Section 10 applies to a member of a committee of the Council.


12. Allowances

Members of the Council and members of a committee of the Council shall be paid allowances approved by the Minister in consultation with the Minister responsible for Finance.


Administration of the University

13. Principal Officers of the University

(1) The Principal Officers of the University are

(a) the Chancellor;
(b) the chairperson of the Council; and
(c) the Vice-Chancellor.

(2) A Principal Officer of the University shall, before assuming office, take and subscribe to the Official Oaths as specified in the Schedule.


14. Chancellor of the University

(1) The University shall have a Chancellor.

(2) The Council shall appoint a Chancellor for the University in accordance with the Statutes of the University.

(3) The Chancellor

(a) is the titular head of the University; and
(b) takes precedence over any other officer of the University.

(4) The criteria and modalities for the nomination, election and appointment or removal from office of the Chancellor shall be specified in the Statutes of the University.

(5) The Chancellor shall hold office for a term of five years and is eligible for re-appointment for another term only.

(6) The Chancellor shall preside at the Congregation, meetings and other ceremonies of the University at which the Chancellor is present.

(7) The Chancellor shall be served with the summons, minutes and any other documents related to meetings of the Council and may attend the meetings.

(8) The Chancellor shall confer on a qualified person, an honorary degree, a degree, a diploma or a certificate awarded by the University in accordance with this Act and procedures specified in the Statutes of the University.

(9) The Chancellor may delegate a function under subsection (8), by directives in writing, to the Council but shall not be relieved of the ultimate responsibility for the performance of the delegated function.

(10) Where the integrity and welfare of the University are threatened by any matter, the Chancellor may, in consultation with the Council, intervene.


15. Vacancy in office of the Chancellor

The office of the Chancellor shall become vacant on the

(a) resignation,
(b) incapacitation,
(c) removal from office,
(d) expiry of the term of office, or
(e) death

of the Chancellor.

(2) The grounds and procedures for the removal of the Chancellor from office shall be specified in the Statutes of the University.


16. Vice-Chancellor of the University

(1) The University shall have, , a Vice-Chancellor.

(2) The Council shall appoint a Vice-Chancellor for the University in accordance with the procedures specified in the Statutes of the University.

(3) The Vice-Chancellor shall hold office on the terms and conditions specified in the letter of appointment in accordance with the Statutes of the University.

(4) Despite subsection (3), the Vice-Chancellor shall hold office for a term of four years and is eligible for re-appointment for another term only.

(5) The Vice-Chancellor is the academic and administrative head and chief disciplinary officer of the University.

(6) The Vice-Chancellor is responsible to the Council for maintaining order and ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the University.

(7) The Vice-Chancellor shall perform any other function specified in the Statutes of the University.


17. Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University

(1) The University shall have a Pro Vice-Chancellor.

(2) The Council shall appoint a Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University in accordance with the Statutes of the University.

(3) The Pro Vice-Chancellor shall hold office for a term of two years and is eligible for re-appointment for another term only.

(4) The Pro Vice-Chancellor shall attend a meeting of the Council but shall not vote at the meeting.

(5) The Pro Vice-Chancellor shall be assigned duties that the Vice-Chancellor may determine.

(6) The Pro Vice-Chancellor shall perform the functions of the Vice-Chancellor in the absence of the Vice-Chancellor.

(7) The Pro Vice-Chancellor shall, before assuming office, take and subscribe to the Official Oaths specified in the Schedule.


18. Academic Board

There is established by this Act, an Academic Board for the University which is answerable to the Council.


19. Composition of the Academic Board

(1) The Academic Board consists of

(a) the Vice-Chancellor, as the chairperson;
(b) the Pro Vice-Chancellor;
(c) Deans and Vice-Deans;
(d) Directors of Faculties, Schools, Institutes and Centres;
(e) Heads of Academic Departments;
(f) Professors and Associate Professors;
(g) a representative each of
(i) an Academic Department,
(ii) a Faculty,
(iii) a School,
(iv) an Institute, and
(v) a Centre,
elected in accordance with the Statutes of the University;
(h) the Librarian of the University;
(i) the Registrar of the University who is the Secretary; and
(j) nine other members of the University, five of whom are non-teaching staff, elected in accordance with the Statutes of the University.

(2) A person who is a member of the Academic Board by virtue of office may be represented at a meeting of the Academic Board by a person designated by that member.


20. Functions of the Academic Board

The Academic Board shall, subject to the powers of the Council,

(a) formulate and implement the academic policies of the University;
(b) devise and regulate programmes of instruction and study, subject to accreditation by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission;
(c) promote and supervise research within the mandate of the University, with special emphasis on
(i) agricultural science;
(ii) medical health and allied health sciences;
(iii) sustainable development studies;
(iv) social sciences and humanities;
(v) business studies; and
(vi) engineering science;
(d) regulate the
(i) conduct of examinations; and
(ii) conferment of honorary degrees and award of degrees, diplomas and certificates;
(e) authorise research grants;
(f) advise the Council on the
(i) appointment of academic staff;
(ii) admission of students; and
(iii) award of scholarships and bursaries;
(g) report on matters that the Council refers to the Academic Board;
(h) make representations to the Council on any matter connected with the University; and
(i) perform any other function specified in the Statutes of the University.


21. Committees of the Academic Board

(1) The Academic Board may establish standing and ad hoc committees for the purpose of carrying out functions specified in the Statutes of the University.

(2) A committee of the Academic Board consisting entirely of non-members is advisory only.


22. The Registrar

(1) The University shall have a Registrar.

(2) The Council shall appoint the Registrar in accordance with the Statutes of the University.

(3) The Registrar shall hold office

(a) for a term of four years and is eligible for re-appointment for another term only; and
(b) on the terms and conditions specified in the letter of appointment in accordance with the Statutes of the University.

(4) The Registrar is the Secretary to the

(a) office of the Chancellor;
(b) Council; and
(c) Academic Board.

(5) The Registrar is responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for the day-to-day administration of the University.

(6) The Registrar shall perform any other function specified in the Statutes of the University.

(7) The Registrar shall, before assuming office, take and subscribe to the Official Oaths specified in the Schedule.


23. Director of Finance

(1) The University shall have a Director of Finance.

(2) The Council shall appoint the Director of Finance in accordance with the Statutes of the University.

(3) The Director of Finance shall hold office for a term of four years and is eligible for re-appointment for another term only.

(4) The Director of Finance shall perform functions specified in the Statutes of the University.

(5) The Director of Finance is responsible to the Vice-Chancellor in the performance of the functions of the Director of Finance.

(6) The Director of Finance shall, before assuming office, take and subscribe to the Official Oaths specified in the Schedule.


24. Appointment of other staff

The Council may appoint other staff necessary for the effective and efficient performance of the functions of the University.


25. Internal organisation of the University

(1) Subject to this Act, the Council may make arrangements as the Council considers appropriate for the internal organisation of the University including the

(a) establishment, variation and supervision of
(i) Academic Divisions,
(ii) Faculties,
(iii) Schools,
(iv) Centres,
(v) Departments.
(vi) Institutes,
(vii) halls of residence,
(viii) hostels, and
(ix) any other body on the main campus of the University and any other campus that the Council may determine
in consultation with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission;
(b) award of professorships and promotion of lecturers;
(c) appointment and promotion of academic staff and administrative staff;
(d) conferment of honorary degrees and other awards;
(e) promotion of the professional development of staff;
(f) development of other facilities, including hostels;
(g) award of fellowships, bursaries, scholarships and prizes; and
(h) organisation of exhibitions.

(2) The University may

(a) enter into an agreement or relationship with another institution whether academic or non-academic within or outside the country; and
(b) incorporate within the University, another institution or body taking over the property, rights, privileges and liabilities of that other institution or body.

(3) The Council shall exercise the powers referred to under subsection (1), only after consultation with the Academic Board on matters which in the opinion of the Council are academic matters.


Financial Provisions

26. Funds of the University

(1) The funds of the University include

(a) moneys approved by Parliament;
(b) internally generated funds including
(i) tuition fees, hostel fees and any other fees paid by students of the University;
(ii) fees, charges and dues in respect of services rendered by or through the University;
(iii) proceeds from the sale of publications of the University;
(iv) subscriptions, rents and royalties; and
(v) returns on investments;
(c) loans and grants;
(d) research grants;
(e) endowments, donations and gifts; and
(f) moneys from any other source approved by the Council.

(2) Any sum of money received by or on behalf of the University shall be paid into a bank account of the University opened on the authority of the Council with the approval of the Controller and Accountant-General.

(3) Moneys received by or standing to the credit of an establishment of the University shall form part of the funds of the University.

(4) The Council may invest the funds of the University that are not required for . immediate use as the Council considers appropriate.


27. Borrowing powers

(1) Subject to article 181 of the Constitution and section 76 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), the University may borrow money.

(2) The University may, for the purpose of borrowing money under subsection (1), use a property for the University as security.


28. Internal Audit Unit

(1) The University shall have an Internal Audit Unit in accordance with section 83 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921).

(2) The Internal Audit Unit shall be headed by an Internal Auditor who shall be appointed in accordance with the Internal Audit Agency Act, 2003 (Act 658).

(3) The Internal Auditor is responsible for the internal audit of the University.

(4) The Internal Auditor shall, subject to subsections (3) and (4) of section 16 of the Internal Audit Agency Act, 2003 (Act 658), at intervals of three months

(a) prepare and submit to the. Council, a report on the internal audit carried out during the period of three months immediately preceding the preparation of the report; and
(b) make recommendations in each report with respect to matters which appear to the Internal Auditor as necessary for the conduct of the affairs of the University.

(5) The Internal Auditor shall, in accordance with subsection (4) of section 16 of the Internal Audit Agency Act, 2003 (Act 658), submit a copy of each report prepared under this section to the Minister through the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission and the chairperson of the Council.


29. Accounts and audit

(1) The Council shall ensure that the University keeps books, records, returns and other documents relevant to the accounts in the form approved by the Auditor-General.

(2) The Council shall submit the accounts of the University to the Auditor-General for audit at the end of the financial year.

(3) The accounts shall be under the signature of the Vice-Chancellor and the Director of Finance.

(4) The Auditor-General shall, within six months after the end of the immediately preceding financial year,

(a) audit the accounts and submit a report to Parliament; and
(b) forward a copy each of the audit report to the Minister and the Council.

(5) The financial year of the University is the same as the financial year of the Government.


30. Annual report and other reports

(1) The Council shall, within thirty days after receipt of the audit report, submit to the Minister, through the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, an annual report covering the activities and the operations of the University for the year to which the report relates.

(2) The annual report shall include

(a) the report of the Auditor-General; and
(b) any other information that may be required by the Minister in conformity with the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921) or that may be relevant to enhance transparency and accountability.

(3) The Minister shall, within thirty days after receipt of the annual report from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, submit the report to Parliament with a statement that the Minister considers necessary.

(4) The Council shall submit to the Minister any other reports which the Minister may require in writing.


31. Exemption from taxes, duties and other charges

The University is exempt from the payment of taxes, duties and other charges that the Minister responsible for Finance may, in writing, determine with the prior approval of Parliament in accordance with the Exemptions Act, 2022 (Act 1083).


Miscellaneous Provisions

32. Statutes of the University

(1) The Council shall enact Statutes for the implementation of this Act.

(2) The Statutes shall

(a) regulate the
(i) appointments,
(ii) terms and conditions of service as determined by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission,
(iii) termination of appointments, and
(iv) retirement benefits of staff of the University;
(b) determine the persons who form the academic staff of the University;
(c) determine the persons who are authorised to sign contracts, cheques and other documents on behalf of the University and to regulate the procedure in relation to transactions entered into by the University;
(d) fix the academic calendar of the University;
(e) determine the rules and procedures relating to discipline of students and staff of the University;
(f) make provision to ensure that the seal of the University is kept under proper custody and is used only on the authority of the Council;
(g) determine the procedure for the conferment of honorary degrees and the award of degrees, diplomas and certificates; and
(h) provide for any other matter required by this Act to be specified in the Statutes of the University.


33. Convocation

(1) There shall be a Convocation of the University with the membership specified in the Statutes of the University.

(2) The Registrar shall compile a register of the members of the Convocation which shall be published each academic year.

(3) A person whose name appears on the register is entitled to attend and vote at the Convocation.

(4) The Convocation shall meet at least once each academic year at the time and place determined by the Vice-Chancellor.

(5) Despite subsection (4), the Convocation shall meet upon a request made by a number of members as specified in the Statutes of the University.

(6) The Convocation shall receive and discuss a report from the Vice-Chancellor on the state of the University and future plans for the University.

(7) The Convocation may express an opinion on a matter that affects the University and refer the matter to the Council or the Academic Board.


34. Matriculation

(1) A student admitted to the University shall take and subscribe to the Matriculation Oath and sign the Matriculation Register.

(2) The University shall not permit a student who fails to sign the Matriculation Register to graduate.


35. Congregation

The University may hold a Congregation consisting of persons specified in the Statutes of the University for the purpose of conferring an honorary degree or awarding a degree, diploma or certificate.


36. Student governance

(1) The University shall have a Students' Representative Council made up of undergraduate students and postgraduate students.

(2) The Students' Representative Council is responsible for representing students duly admitted and registered to study at the University.

(3) The constitution and other governing instruments of the Students' Representative Council shall

(a) be drawn up by the students, subject to the approval of the Academic Board; and
(b) conform to this Act, the Statutes of the University and any other rules, regulations, directives and edicts duly issued by the University.

(4) A constitution or a governing instrument drawn up by the Students' Representative Council which is inconsistent with paragraph (b) of subsection (3) is, to the extent of the inconsistency, void.

(5) The Statutes of the University may grant the Students' Representative Council representation on appropriate bodies and organs of the University.


37. Intellectual property

(1) The intellectual property right in a creative work, research or any other intellectual enterprise, funded or otherwise undertaken with resources of the University shall vest in the University.

(2) The Statutes of the University shall provide for the creation, ownership and use of intellectual property including copyright, patents, trademarks, trade names and industrial designs by employees of the University in accordance with the laws on intellectual property.

(3) The Council shall, in enacting the Statutes of the University, determine the incentives for a person who undertakes any creative work, research or any other intellectual enterprise, funded or otherwise undertaken with resources of the University to enable the person benefit from the creative work, research or intellectual enterprise.


38. Academic freedom

(1) The University, in the performance of the functions of the University,

(a) has the right and responsibility to preserve and promote the traditional principles of academic freedom in the conduct of the internal and external affairs of the University; and
(b) may regulate the affairs of the University in accordance with the independent ethos and traditions of the University having regard to
(i) the promotion and preservation of equality of opportunity and access;
(ii) the effective and efficient use of resources; and
(iii) the obligations of the University with regard to public accountability.

(2) A member of the academic staff of the University

(a) has the freedom, within the law, in the teaching, research and any other activity of the member, in or outside the University, to question and test received wisdom, to put forward new ideas and to state opinions; and
(b) shall not be disadvantaged, or subjected to less favourable treatment by the University, for the exercise of that freedom.


39. Anti-discrimination

(1) Without limiting the power of the University to adopt affirmative action policies, the University or an officer of the University shall not discriminate against a person on the basis of race, ethnic origin, political opinion, colour, gender, occupation, religion or creed, disability, social or economic status of that person to determine whether that person is to be

(a) admitted as a student of the University;
(b) registered as a student of the University;
(c) permitted to graduate from the University;
(d) appointed as an academic staff or other staff of the University;
(e) promoted as an academic staff or any other staff of the University; or
(f) granted an advantage, a privilege or any other benefit accorded to other persons.

(2) For the purpose of this section,

(a) "discriminate" means to give different treatment to different persons attributable only or mainly on the grounds stated in subsection (1); and
(b) "officer of the University" includes
(i) a Principal Officer; t
(ii) a staff;
(iii) an agent;
(iv) a servant; or
(v) any other person performing or acting in an official capacity for or on behalf of the University.


40. Dispute settlement

(1) There is established by this Act, the University for Development Studies Appeals Board.

(2) The Appeals Board consists of

(a) a chairperson who is a retired Justice of the Superior Courts of Judicature or a lawyer qualified to be appointed as a Justice of the Superior Courts of Judicature;
(b) two lawyers of at least ten years' standing at the Bar who are persons of high moral character and proven integrity, at least one of whom is a woman; and
(c) two other persons of high moral character and proven integrity who are not lawyers or staff of the University, at least one of whom is a woman.

(3) The Council shall appoint the members of the Appeals Board.

(4) The Appeals Board shall hear and determine matters on

(a) an act or omission in contravention of this Act or the Statutes of the University;
(b) the breach of an employment contract by the University;
(c) the promotion of persons duly employed by the University;
(d) grievances by a student 'against the University on matters related to welfare and discipline; or
(e) any other matter or dispute referred to the Appeals Board by the Council.

(5) The chairperson and two other members of the Appeals Board, constitute a panel for the hearing and determination of a case or matter before the Appeals Board.

(6) In the absence of the chairperson, one of the two lawyers specified in paragraph (b) of subsection (2) shall act as chairperson.

(7) The Council shall, by Statutes of the University, prescribe the rules and procedure to govern

(a) the operation of the Appeals Board;
(b) the appointment and remuneration of the members of the Appeals Board;
(c) the functions of the chairperson of the Appeals Board;
(d) the establishment of the Secretariat of the Appeals Board; and
(e) any other relevant matter.


41. Interpretation

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,

"Academic Board" means the body established under section 18;
"Appeals Board" means the University for Development Studies Appeals Board established under subsection (1) of section 40;
"Chancellor" means the person appointed under subsection (2) of section 14 to the office of Chancellor of the University;
"Convocation" means Principal Officers of the University and all other senior members of the University appointed by the Council or the Academic Board and registered by the Registrar as members of Convocation;
"Council" means the University Council established under section 5;
"disclosure of interest" includes a pecuniary, material, academic and relational interest in a matter being deliberated upon or decided upon by the University; :"Fair Wages and Salaries Commission" means the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission established under section 1 of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission Act, 2007 (Act 737);
"Ghana Tertiary Education Commission" means the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission established under section 1 of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023);
"Institute" means a multi-disciplinary research or service establishment which focuses primarily on multi-disciplinary research and on the provision of extension services;
"matriculation" means a process by which a person is formally recognised as a student of the University;
"Minister" means the Minister responsible for Education;
"Pro Vice-Chancellor" means the person appointed under subsection (2) of section 17 to the office of Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University;
"Statutes of the University" means administrative guidelines enacted by the Council in accordance with this Act to govern the internal operations of the University;
"University" means the University for Development Studies established under section 1; and
"Vice-Chancellor" means the person appointed under subsection (2) of section 16 to the office of Vice-Chancellor of the University.


42. Repeal and savings

(1) The University for Development Studies Act, 1992 (P.N.D.C.L. 279) is repealed.

(2) Despite the repeal of P.N.D.C.L. 279, any Regulations, by-laws, notices, orders, directions, appointments, guidelines or other acts lawfully made or done under the repealed enactment and in force immediately before the coming into force of this Act are considered to have been made or done under this Act and shall continue to have effect until reviewed, cancelled or terminated.


43. Transitional provisions

(1) The rights, assets and liabilities vested in the University for Development Studies established under the University for Development Studies Act, 1992 (P.N.D.C.L. 279) in force immediately before the coming into force of this Act are transferred to the University established under this Act and accordingly, proceedings taken by or against the University for Development Studies established under the University for Development Studies Act, 1992 (P.N.D.C.L. 279) may be continued by or against the University established under this Act.

(2) A person in the employment of the University for Development Studies established under the University for Development Studies Act, 1992 (P.N.D.C.L. 279) immediately before the coming into force of this Act shall, on the coming into force of this Act, be deemed to have been duly employed by the University established under this Act on terms and conditions which are not less favourable in aggregate to the terms and conditions attached to the post held by the person before the coming into force of this Act.

(3) Until the date of the first meeting of the Council established under this Act, the Council of the University for Development Studies established under the University for Development Studies Act, 1992 (P.N.D.C.L. 279) shall (a) continue in office until the end of the tenure of office of that Council, and (b) perform the functions and exercise the power conferred by this Act on that Council, and any act lawfully made or done by that Council before the coming into force of this Act shall have effect as if done by the Council established under this Act.


SCHEDULE

OFFICIAL OATHS (sections 13(2), 17(7), 22(7) and 23(6))

<div style='text-align: center"; PART A

OATH OF OFFICE

I, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , do (in the name of the Almighty God swear) (solemnly affirm) that I will at all times, well and truly serve the University for Development Studies and the Republic of Ghana, in the office of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . and that I will-uphold, preserve and defend the University as by law established (so help me God).

(To be sworn before the Minister or any other person as the President may designate).


<div style='text-align: center"; PARTB

OATH OF SECRECY

I, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , holding the office of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . do (in the name of the Almighty God swear) (solemnly affirm) that I will not directly or indirectly communicate or reveal to any person any matter which shall be brought under my consideration or shall come to my knowledge in the discharge of my official duties except as may be required for the discharge of my official duties or as may be specifically permitted by law (so help me God).

(To be sworn before the Minister or any other person as the President may designate).

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