An acronym which has redefined values, ideologies and rich African culture often described as “a way of life” - VANDAL stands for Vivacious, Affable, Neighborly, Dedication, Altruistic and Loyal.
Over the years these values shaped the thoughts and experiences of students in Commonwealth Hall, known as Vandals encouraged to lead the course of not only students activism but to serve the interest in society. That is why there are several Old Vandals at every sector of the Ghanaian society and also strategically placed at higher position.
This week on “TIDBITS ABOUT VANDAL CITY” a series shared by the legendary I.K. Gyasi, a strong ancient Vandal who was the former Chairman of the Ashanti Region Old Vandals Association.
Today’s episode features a prominent Ghanaian Statesman, Chief of Agogo Traditional Area , Lawyer and Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Alumni of Commonwealth Hall.
TIDBITS ABOUT VANDAL CITY - K.A.SARPONG(SHAWCROSS) - 2
There is no doubt at all that Kwame Akuoko Sarpong, more popularly known as K.A. Sarpong(Shawcross), has left several indelible marks on the walls of Commonwealth Hall(Vandal City). He has also paid, and continues to pay his duties to his country.
Now at the ripe, venerable old age of 81 years, he has served the Asante Akyem Agogo Traditional Area since 1975 as the Omanhene(Paramount Chief).
He has also served his profession as a lawyer as a one time Deputy National Secretary.
At the National level, he served in various ministerial positions as PNDC Secretary of Internal Affairs, Health and Chieftaincy. In 2009, he also served as a member of the Council of State.
Neither his age nor a period of ill-health has slowed him down. When OVA re-launched its Hall Annex project, he was there, dressed in “Vandal red”.
In 1997 when the Ashanti Region branch of OVA was formed, he came to do the launch. In his youth, he loved sports, especially hockey, lawn tennis and athletics.
Nana Akuoko Sarpong, Omanhene of Agogo Traditional Area, known in Vandal circles as K. A. Sarpong(Shawcross) is an icon of Commonwealth Hall(Vandal City). He deserves to be celebrated.
Long may he live. May he also continue to serve the Hall, his Traditional Area and his country.
By: I.K. Gyasi
Image by: Verve Ghana
“If we tell not our stories, others will define them for us and consequences bequeathed on us” Hanson Emmmanuel (2020)
Good read. I enjoy this and look forward for more vandal personalities. Thanks I k. Gyasi.
ReplyDeleteMore to share from the celebrated IK Gyasi
ReplyDeleteMore importantly, Nana Kwame Akuoko Sarpong was the first Chief VANDAL.
ReplyDelete