The weekend of September 2nd to 3rd, 2017 marked a very significant milestone for alumni of the University of Ghana resident in North America and Canada.
The much awaited inauguration of the North America Chapter of the University of Ghana Alumni Association took place during a well-coordinated weekend of activities in Laurel, Maryland in the United States of America.
Members of the University of Ghana North America Alumni Association and their families gathered at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Laurel, MD, for this historic maiden celebration put together by a Steering Committee championed by the indefatigable Old Vandals Association of North America.(OVA-NA)
The exciting activities for the weekend took place as follows:
On Friday, the 1st, there was a meet and greet session at the Holiday Inn, Laurel, MD. This was a marvelous opportunity for reconnection and reunion. The initial greetings and fraternity made way for general merry-making which was climaxed with a powerful praise and worship session led by the ‘VANDALS for Christ’ Choir. The group ably led by Dr. Nii Adote Abrahams, delivered angelic praise and worship songs amidst drumming and dancing. The night was later crowned by a PAWA Night special, led by the OVA-NA, which also featured the ‘Katanga Choir’ made up of old students of the University Hall, KNUST.
On Saturday, the 2nd, a Congress chaired by Dr. Arthur Kennedy was held in the conference room of the Holiday Inn, Laurel.
Present at this Congress, was a team from the University of Ghana, headed by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Students Affairs), Prof. Kwame Offei, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Frank Nyame, Master of Commonwealth Hall, and Mrs. Christy Badu, Deputy Registrar in charge of University of Ghana Alumni Relations.
Key issues discussed included the vision and direction of UG and the role UG alumni could play to ensure strategic goals are achieved. The alumni stressed the need for transparency, responsiveness and accountability in the University’s dealings in the partnership.
The highlight of the weekend however was the well organized and well-attended Fundraising Dinner Dance held on the evening of Saturday.
The turnout was great, the camaraderie was infectious, and the atmosphere was very welcoming. Amidst good food, beautiful music and much dancing, speeches were also delivered from the UG by Prof. Frank Nyame, Master of Commonwealth Hall, and Mrs. Christy Badu, Deputy Registrar in charge of University of Ghana Alumni Relations.
Mrs. Badu took the opportunity to inform the alumni that the Vice-Chancellor had set up the Office of Alumni Relations which would effectively coordinate the activities of all Alumni of the University of Ghana and establish a reliable channel through which UG Alumni may offer meaningful contributions and assistance towards the progress of their alma mater. She assured the Alumni that she would relentlessly commit to enriching lifelong relationships among all Alumni and the University of Ghana for mutually beneficial goals.
A keynote address was delivered by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (ASA), Prof. Kwame Offei, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor,
Also at the function, an initiative to create an endowment fund for University of Ghana was successfully launched. The Chairman for the occasion was Mr. ROE Akosah.
On Sunday, the 3rd, the alumni organised a well-attended picnic/ food fair which was sponsored by the OVA-NA. It was a fun time for reminiscing, and networking, amidst the usual drumming and dancing.
The University of Ghana is grateful to her Alumni in North America and especially to the Old Vandals Association - North America for the overwhelming support they characteristically bring to such events.
It is hoped that all UG Alumni will continue to deepen their involvement in our beloved university, and foster greater networking and support for her, in order to for her to achieve her strategic goals.
The newly elected Executives of the University of Ghana Alumni Association - North America Chapter are:
President - Emmanuel Sagoe
Vice Pres. (Admin) - Gifty Dankyi
Vice Pres. (Ops) - Alexander Darku
Gen. Sec - Beatrice Quist Korankye
Deputy Gen. Sec - Eva Addo
Treasurer - Deborah Emefa Tamakloe
Financial Secretary - Tina Abrefa
Communications & Media Director - Ekow Akyeampong
Organizing Secretary - Nathan Addo
Youth Organizer - Romeo Katamani
Photo Gallery
Members of UG-Alumni – North America Chapter dancing the night away!
UG delegation and other special guests at the Dinner Dance
Discussions ‘over tea’ at the residence of Mr. ROE Akossah
Some Members of the indefatigable OVA-NA
More dancing and merry-making
Fun at the Picnic.
