COMMONWEALTH HALL AT 60: OLD VANDALS REKINDLES GLORIOUS DAYS






Saturday July 1, 2017 marked the Diamond Jubilee of Commonwealth Hall when Old Vandals from every generation joined the current Vandals around to honour the Hall. The theme:"60 Years of Vandalism:The Next Chapter" which attracted Old Vandals and associates of the Hall including Prof. Harry Akussah, Prof.George Armah,Mr.Felix Addo(President GARIA, former Senior Country Partner PwC), Maj. Oliver William Azadda(Owner of Suncity Liv), Hon. Clement Apaak(MP for Builsa South constituency),Mr. Kwame Asuah Takyi(Comptroller General Ghana Immigration),Hon.Joseph Osei-Owusu( MP Bekwai and First Deputy Speaker),Hon. Alexander Kwodwo Kom Abban(MP for Gomoa West constituency),Council of Elders of the Old Vandals Association,Representative of the Vice Chancellor,Africanus Owusu Ansah,Representatives of the University of Ghana Alumni,Regional and Global Executives of Old Vandals Association,Hon. Emmanuel Kyeremateng (MP Ayawaso West Wuogun Constituency) among others.


The President of the Old Vandals Association(OVA), Mr.Isaac Nketia Sarpong presented a report of the State of the Association. He highlighted some remarkable achievements in his administration. He mentioned that the Old Vandals Association has increased the Regional branches to cover the nine regions of Ghana including newly inaugurated Brong Ahafo OVA branch and  promised to inaugurate the Upper West Region with plans in place. He added that, the OVA Global Chapters has been revamped. He mentioned that he was in the recent reunion and inauguration  of the executives of OVAUK. He added that OVA North American Chapter will be hosting their reunion and invites all Old Vandals to be part of the occasion.He finally acknowledged the H.E John Dramani Mahama for his support the association, he also thanked the Old Vandals Parliamentarian Chapter both Majority and Minority.He reiterated OVA continuous support to Commonwealth Hall and the society.

Speaking on the theme to  critique "Vandalism", Africanu Owusu-Ansah, an Old Vandal who extensively wrote his thesis on Vandalism shared his experience with the Vandal fraternity. He bemoan some of the practices that have emanated from the dynamic nature of society which has unfortunately been introduced to the practices of Vandalism, which has adulterated the original practices.

He shared that “Vandalism” was instituted for entertainment, advocacy and unity.He noted that, Vandals have tried to center their activities from fun making.But he acknowledged how such activities whips up interest for a particular course which boosts the interest of Vandals.

"We have tried to centre all our activities around fun making.We create fun when the situation calls for it and they mould when the situation calls for it"Africanus mentioned.

He added that the "Vandals Day" in their era which used to be a day event has now been changed to "Vandals week" program which he expressed as an improvement.

Some notable Old Vandals also shared their experiences back in the days in Commonwealth Hall.Hon. Clement Apaak(MP for Builsa South constituency), former Presidential Staffer of the Mahama led administration and former National Organizer

The Hall Master of Commonwealth Hall , Prof. Frank Nyame used the opportunity to appeal to the Old Vandals to support the "Legacy Project" which was originally called the VCAP project. The project is the construction of the Annex of Commonwealth Hall. He mentioned that Commonwealth Hall is the only traditional Hall without an Annex thereby reducing the intake of Potential students. He added that, Commonwealth Hall also take few students as compared to the other Halls numbering about a thousand just for freshmen on campus. He further called up Old Vandals to help build the “Legacy Project” to also enable Commonwealth Hall increase enrollment of residential Students.
He mentioned that, due to the few intake of the freshmen, the Hall fall short in the revenue chain among the other Halls.

The Chairman of the VCAP project, Mr. Felix Addo also addressed Old Vandals and shared the far advancement of the project now Legacy Project.He explained that, during their Committee's operation, they were able to secure the blueprint of the magnificent Annex Project, the committee also secured the land,and funds inflow begun. He mentioned that, with this opportunity before Old Vandals, the “Legacy Project” must come to life for generations to benefit immensely from the great avenue the fraternity has given to them over the years.He was invited to lead the Appeal for fund which received positive commitment from Old Vandals from year groups, members as well as the regional branches.He finally added that the "Legacy Project" which used to be the "VCAP" project have been revamped and commended the Hall Master Prof. Frank Nyami.

Nonetheless, H.E John Dramani Mahama was honoured by the Old Vandals Association for his commitment and support to the Association.Dr.Clement Apaak received award on his behalf.


Meanwhile, the 60years Anniversary is supported by Suncity Liv(Stage,Light and Sounds),OVA Council of Elders,University of Ghana Management and Alumni,  GARIA-Ghana Association of Restructuring and Insolvency Advisors, Accra Brewery Limited,Kasapreko, KEK Insurance and the media partners - Graphic Group, GTV,TV3,AdomTV ,Happyfm,Radio Universe, Cityfm,Joynews,PeacefmOnline and Myjoyonline, Ghanadailies.com,Ghanaweb, ehansonis.blogspot and legonconnet.com.

The Anniversary begun in April this year with series of Public Lecture handled by Prof. Bondzie Simpson,Hon.Ekow Spio-Gabrah and Anas Aremeyaw Anas, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Public lecture respectively.The Anniversary still continues with special thanksgiving service for the departed Old Vandals and Current Vandals in the last decade.The program is scheduled on 31st July 2017 at the Great Hall.







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