Old Vandals call for reinstatement of suspended Commonwealth Hall officials

Members of Old Vandals Association of North America (OVA-NA) have call for the reinstatement of suspended UG-Commonwealth Hall Officials.

Management of the University of Ghana (UG) suspended Hall Master and a Senior Tutor in the hall following the clash between the Vandals and the Vikings of Mensah Sarbah Hall, which occurred on August 5.

The Management blamed the two hall officials for supposedly being reluctant to fish out the students responsible for the fight which led to the destruction of property on campus.

“These officers should, therefore, in the interim, be relieved of their duties while management works with the security services to investigate the clashes, and works towards finding lasting solutions to the tensions between students of the two halls,” Management said.

The decision was taken by the University Council at its meeting over the disturbance held on Thursday, August 11.

But in a communique issued by the OVA-NA said the University authorities had ample notice of the impending disturbances and yet failed to emplace adequate security measures that could have prevented the disturbances.

They are therefore calling for the the suspended Hall Officials be recalled with immediate effect and that a proper inquiry be conducted to unearth the facts and circumstances of the said disturbance.

Read the full communique below

COMMUNIQUE ON DISTURBANCES ON LEGON

CAMPUS

We, the members of Old Vandals Association of North

America (OVA-NA), herein assembled for our annual

Congress, note with regret the disturbances on the Campus of the University of Ghana that occurred on the night of Friday, August 6, 2022.

Having deliberated carefully on the facts and circumstances and noting the following: 

1. That the University authorities had ample notice of the impending disturbances and yet failed to emplace adequate security measures that could have prevented the disturbances.
2. That the University authorities, without an investigation that respects the due process rights of all involved have suspended Commonwealth Hall Officials while Mensah Sarbah Hall officials and the Dean of Students who is statutorily responsible for campus security outside Halls is still at post.
3. That this process is reminiscent of a kangaroo court and must be condemned.
4. That this conduct by the University authorities is arbitrary and recalls sadly the history of University administrations striving to render Commonwealth Hall and its proud traditions ‘impotent’.

Resolve as follows:

1. That the suspended Hall Officials be recalled with immediate effect.
2. That a proper inquiry be conducted to unearth the facts and circumstances of the said disturbance.
3. That any inquiry should address the responsibility of University officials and their culpability for failing to ensure campus security.
4. That all those found culpable be subjected to disciplinary measures within the full rigors of the law.
5. That during this process the Hall authorities, OVA and individuals vigorously protect the rights of those affected.
6. That all VANDALS and Ghanaians who love justice render material and moral support to such an effort to secure justice. OVA-NA supports this effort with a $500 USD donation to the defense fund.

OVA-NA

September 5, 2022