The Greater Accra Vice President of the Old Vandals Association, Andy Akwetea, has expressed his frustration about the misconceptions surrounding the institution of “vandalism”, a long standing practice of student residents of Commonwealth Hall of the University of Ghana.
According to him, vandalism has been misconstrued, and misconceptions have overshadowed its true purpose. One potent poison undoing the relevance of the institution of vandalism, he says is partisan politics. According to him, partisan politics has infiltrated Ghana’s student front with governments often using student bodies to push their agendas.
Speaking in an interview with Sefah Danquah on Happy 98.9FM’s Happy Morning Show about their upcoming Jamboree celebrations under the theme ‘The Return of Vandalism: Resetting the Agenda for Positive National Development’, Mr. Akwetea lamented how the unfiltered misconceptions and partisan politics are winning the war against the existential essence of the culture of vandalism at the University of Ghana.
“The mindset is that when the government wants to push a particular agenda it is the student body used and that has affected the student body and this is why we’re saying that as Vandals our job and responsibility is for the right people to be at the right places hence our resetting the agenda” he emphasized.
He believes there should be a system or a vibrant association just like the Old Vandals Association, where a platform is built for the truth to always stand in all matters.
“That is what vandalism is supposed to be, because our motto is ‘Truth Stands” he stated.
Mr. Akwetea highlighted the benefits of being part of the Vandals Community, citing the connections and opportunities that many successful individuals have gained through their association and involvements in activities organized the Old Vandals Association.
He pointed out that many prominent figures, including government officials, were once vandals themselves.
“Your minister of education is a vandal, your deputy minister of education is a vandal, your attorney general is a vandal, your president is a vandal, your chief of staff is a vandal. So, if these people went to the University of Ghana to mess up, like you have accepted from people who don’t know what vandalism is, ask yourself how these people were able to hold the kind of positions they’re currently holding now in the country? And, we can all attest to the fact that they’re delivering” he intimated.
Mr. Akwetea urged Ghanaians to rethink their perceptions of vandalism and join the association in resetting the agenda for positive national development.
The event, scheduled for Friday, July 4, 2025, at Staff Village School Park, aims to bring together Old Vandals and non-vandals alike to promote a new understanding of vandalism.
