593 Abibisika (Black Gold) Points

Rank: Unranked Obibini

The Director,
Institute of African Studies
University of Ghana
Legon

Dear Dzodzi Tsikata

PETITION: MAINTAIN ỌBÁDÉLÉ KAMBON AS COORDINATOR OF IAS FILM SERIES

We, the undersigned;

a. being regular patrons of the Institute of African Studies Film Series;

b. taking notice of the decision to take off Dr. Ọbádélé Kambon as the coordinator of the IAS film series;

c. Knowing that the Institute of African Studies is a publicly funded academic institution. This means that in principle, it is open to citizen/taxpayer’s input without infringing on its independence or academic freedom. In addition, since the IAS Film Series is open to the public and is aimed at engendering conversation around knowledge of issues regarding people of African descent, patrons are a critical stakeholder group without whom the objective will not be achieved, thereby establishing our locus;

do hereby submit this petition for your consideration.

Facts
1. On 2nd May 2019, at the end of an inspiring film on slavery, we were made aware that it was the last day of Dr. Kambon as coordinator of the IAS film series. This troubled us greatly since we have been satisfied with the conduct, depth of knowledge, appreciation of issues and choice of films shown by Dr. Kambon, not to mention his show of respect for the views of people and his ability to steer illuminating conversation. There was a unanimous decision to submit this petition to engage the Director of the Institute for the reversal of the decision to take him off the role.

2. The decision to remove Dr. Kambon from his role as coordinator was reached based on a complaint from one patron who was unhappy about a comment the coordinator made in the discussion session after a film screening. Some of us were in the audience and witnessed this incident and did not consider it serious enough to warrant the decision taken. Indeed, the said comment was made without reference to the man in particular.

3. Prior to that, there had been no adverse complaints from patrons against Dr. Kambon’s handling of the Film Series. None since. Indeed, if the Institute was minded to conduct an evaluation based on the perceptions of patrons, it would be clear that Dr. Kambon has an excellent approval rating.

4. Dr. Ọbádélé Kambon’s relationship with the community of people of African descent endears the Institute of African Studies to many.

We therefore petition your office to;

1. Maintain Dr. Ọbádélé Kambon as the coordinator of the IAS Film Series
2. Withdraw the reprimand on Dr. Kambon issued on the basis of one complaint

We will like to put on record that this petition was not instigated, inspired or contrived in any way by Dr. Kambon. It is entirely an initiative of patrons of the IAS Film Series based on the facts obtained on a matter of interest and is submitted in good faith, with the view to advancing the knowledge and understanding of African issues.

The petitioners are willing to have further discussion with the Director on the contents of this petition and the demands thereof.

Sincerely

Name Signature Phone

1.
2.