A recent controversy involving well-known dancehall artists Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale has the University of Ghana at its centre.
Prof. Rosina Kyeremanten, the University of Ghana’s dean of students, has responded to these accusations.
Prof. Kyeremanten said that there is no problem between the university and the hall representatives regarding Shatta Wale, and that no one was involved in the decision to cancel Shatta’s performance at the TF Hostel.
She said this in an interview with Radio Univers, which is broadcast from the University of Ghana, that the executives of TF Hostels had stated in their proposal that they would only host a Karaoke Night rather than an Artiste Night, which would have required extra security because student gatherings are prohibited.
As far as I am concerned, there is a big difference between a Karaoke Night and an Artiste Night, so we approved. “The University has no issues with Shatta Wale. The University is not involved with Shatta Wale. Normally, what happens is that if any event is going to be organised in any hall, a request for approval is sent to my office (Dean’s Office) with an outline of the programme they intend to organise.”
“There are a lot of implications when hosting an Artiste Night, including security and other issues. Therefore, we need to make sure there is enough security, which is why you need approval from the University Authority. Keep in mind that student gatherings are still prohibited, so you can not just get up and bring an artist like Shatta Wale without making the necessary and adequate arrangements,” the speaker stated.
READ ALSO: KO7 recruits Ras Kuuku on new single titled ‘LINK UP’
The Dean made it clear that permission from her office, along with a comprehensive programme outline, was required for any event planned inside the university residence halls.
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor received the request for an Artiste Night, which featured Stonebwoy in the lineup, for final approval from the Hilla Limann Hall executives, she continued, which is why Stonebwoy’s performance at Limann Hall was permitted to happen.
“Limann Hall sent a letter requesting approval for their programmes, including Artiste Night. Because of the ban on public gatherings, I forwarded it to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor and he granted final approval. I was unaware of Stonebwoy’s performance until I saw their flyers, so I contacted the President of the Hall to ensure that there would be security. The letter was then forwarded to the Legon Police District Command, and I also requested additional security,” the woman stated.
She stressed the importance of safety and security on campus and gave her word that alumni get-togethers and events will be allowed at the university, with the possibility of the gathering ban being lifted in the future.
