Isaac Anin Baah, a 34-year-old visually impaired applicant pursuing a PhD, is threatening legal action against the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) after his admission was withdrawn without any explanation. Baah, who had completed his Master’s degree at the same institution, suspects his visual impairment may have played a role in the decision.
In an interview with Channel One News, Baah revealed that his lawyer sent several letters to the university seeking clarification on the matter, but all went unanswered. He is now seeking relief, including GH¢1 million in damages for the stress he has endured and for the lost scholarship opportunities resulting from the withdrawn admission.
“I did apply at Tech (KNUST) to pursue a PhD in Public Health,” Baah stated, “but after my application, they gave me admission, only to revoke it without any reason. I tried to seek clarification from the dean at the School of Public Health, but he couldn’t provide any explanation. My lawyer sent several letters, but we received no response.”
Baah further explained that he initially issued a warning to the university, expressing his intent to take legal action if the situation was not addressed. “That was the first signal to them,” he noted. “They never replied. My lawyer wrote several letters, and still, they did not respond. That is why I’m in court today, seeking intervention. At the very least, the court can ask why my admission was revoked and, if there is any explanation, they will have to provide it.”
In response, KNUST admitted to certain lapses in the admission process but claimed that these errors have since been rectified. The University Relations Officer, Dr. Norris Bekoe, confirmed that the university had been served with the legal writ. He explained that the plaintiff was expected to proceed with the admission process once the error had been corrected, implying that Baah should have continued with his enrollment.
The case brings to light potential issues of discrimination and lack of transparency in university admissions processes, particularly for individuals with disabilities. Baah’s legal action has sparked conversations around equal opportunities for all applicants, irrespective of their physical conditions, and highlights the need for institutions to adopt fair and inclusive policies.
As the case moves to court, the outcome may set a precedent for similar cases in the future, ensuring that institutions are held accountable for their admissions processes. Baah remains hopeful that the court will provide him with the answers he seeks and that justice will prevail.
Baah’s decision to pursue legal action underscores the importance of institutions responding promptly and adequately to grievances raised by applicants, especially those with disabilities. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equal rights and access to education for all, regardless of their physical or mental challenges.
The legal proceedings continue, with the outcome potentially influencing how universities handle similar cases in the future.
