A group of concerned Ghanaians, including affiliates and alumni of the all-male halls of residence at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in the Ashanti Region, have petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to withdraw the nomination of Prof. Kwasi Obiri-Danso as Ghana’s Ambassador-designate.

The petition, dated April 23, 2025, comes in response to a presidential nomination letter issued on April 2, 2025, appointing the former KNUST Vice-Chancellor to a diplomatic post.

The petitioners cite what they describe as “deep concern and disappointment” over the nomination, referencing Prof Obiri-Danso’s role in the controversial conversion of University Hall (Katanga) and Unity Hall from all-male to mixed-gender status during his tenure.

According to the group, the decision, implemented without broad consultation, triggered massive unrest on campus and led to the infamous student protests of October 22, 2018.

The riot resulted in widespread property damage and disrupted academic activity.

“The decision to convert Katanga and Unity Halls undermined long-standing traditions and deeply affected the identity and cohesion of the student body,” the petition reads.

“It reflected poor judgment and a disregard for the concerns of students, alumni, and other key stakeholders.”

The group argues that Prof Obiri-Danso's actions left a lasting negative impact on the university and questions the appropriateness of his appointment to represent Ghana on the global stage.

They have warned that failure to revoke the nomination may spark nationwide protest actions by alumni and affiliates of the affected halls.

In addition to calling for a reversal of the ambassadorial nomination, the petitioners also appealed to President Mahama to revisit the broader decision of converting Katanga and Unity Halls into mixed-gender accommodations.

“These halls are not just residences but symbols of heritage and brotherhood with decades of rich tradition and a track record of producing outstanding leaders who have contributed immensely to national development,” the statement emphasised.