Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr Abopam argued that filing an appeal or an application for a stay of execution does not automatically suspend the implementation of a court judgment.
His comments follow reports that Prof. Alnaa and the two officers were denied access to their offices when they reported to the university on Monday, October 19, 2026.
The two officers are Samuel Aduko, Director of Procurement, and Tom Mboya Asigri, Director of Works and Physical Development.
The Bolgatanga High Court had quashed decisions taken against the officers by the University’s Governing Council after finding that the Council lacked the required quorum when it took the decisions.
The court also ruled that the Special Investigative Committee established by the Council to investigate the officers had been unlawfully constituted.
Following the judgment, Prof. Alnaa alleged that university officials refused to release the keys to their offices, citing legal advice after the filing of a notice of appeal and an application for a stay of execution.
Reacting to the development, Mr Abopam questioned whether the university could rely on the filing of those processes to prevent the officers from resuming their duties.
He said his understanding was that the university had already been served with the entry of judgment, while the Governing Council Chairman, Dr Bishop Akolgo Amigya-Bia, had initiated further legal proceedings.
Mr Abopam maintained that an application for a stay of execution should be distinguished from a court order granting such a stay, arguing that the university’s actions raised questions about compliance with the judgment.
The dispute dates back to December 2025, when the Governing Council directed Prof. Alnaa to proceed on accumulated annual leave for one year, citing the need for reflection, reconciliation and the restoration of confidence within the institution.
In February 2026, the Council established a five-member investigative committee to examine allegations involving a GH¢27.97 million GETFund-financed procurement contract awarded to M-Business Services Limited in April 2024.
The committee was also tasked with investigating the alleged unauthorised disposal of 866 items of university furniture.
Following the committee’s findings, the Council terminated Prof. Alnaa’s appointment, effective June 11, 2026, while the two other officers were sanctioned.
The High Court’s ruling concerned the legality of the Council’s decisions and the processes used in reaching them, rather than a determination of the underlying allegations.
Mr Abopam expressed concern that the continuing leadership dispute could undermine the university’s administration, reputation and contribution to development in the Upper East Region.
He therefore urged the parties to resolve the impasse and ensure that the institution’s operations are not adversely affected by the disagreement.
Meanwhile, the question of whether a court has granted a stay of execution remains central to the dispute over the implementation of the judgment.
When A1 News previously contacted the University Registrar, Richard Abugre Atiah, about the refusal to grant the officers access to their offices, he declined to comment, explaining that the matter was before the court.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
