The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi has failed to enter a defence in a lawsuit filed against it by a visually impaired applicant for a Doctorate degree programme in public health. The university, instead, has allegedly offered Mr. Isaac Anim Baah a full scholarship in an apparent attempt to entice him to drop the case.
This latest offer follows a week after the university offered Mr. Baah unconditional admission to the programme.
In a letter, the university stated, “The University (School of Public Health) has agreed to offer your client, Mr. Isaac Anim Baah, admission into the PhD programme unconditionally.”
The letter continued, “The university is, therefore, requesting you to discontinue the action you have instituted on behalf of your client, since all matters have been resolved in his favour.”
However, even after receiving the unconditional admission, Mr. Baah, who believes he was denied admission due to his disability, declined to withdraw the lawsuit. He is seeking a ruling from the Kumasi High Court declaring that the university was negligent in handling his application. He is also demanding a cost of GH¢1 million, among other claims.
The university, in a subsequent attempt to settle the case, offered Mr. Baah a full scholarship. This offer further underscores the institution’s apparent desire to avoid a legal precedent being set against it for discriminatory practices.
In an interview with DisabilityNewsGH.com, Mr. Baah reiterated his commitment to proceed with the case, stating that accepting the scholarship would be selfish on his part. He believes a court determination would set a precedent for educational institutions, highlighting the need for active promotion of inclusivity and accessibility.
“I can only imagine how many persons with disabilities suffered similar fates but didn’t have the courage to take such institutions on,” he said.
Mr. Baah also expressed concern about potential hostility from lecturers and the denial of privileges for “disgracing” the university, despite assurances from school authorities. He has indicated a loss of interest in KNUST and is exploring admission at other institutions.
The mandatory 8 working days for a defendant to file their defence has elapsed on Tuesday, September 12. Mr. Baah has instructed his lawyers to file a writ of default against the university, which could result in the court granting him all his claims.
Section 13 of Ghana’s Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715), prohibits educational institutions from discriminating against applicants with disabilities; Section 11 requires institutions to provide reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities.
The outcome of this case will have far-reaching consequences for promoting inclusivity in Ghana’s education system. As Mr. Baah’s lawsuit progresses, it remains to be seen whether KNUST will take responsibility for its actions and work towards creating a more inclusive environment.
SOURCE: DisabilityNewsGH.com
