To climax the Commonwealth Fellows-Students' Week Celebration, Management and Fellows of the Hall, held an interaction with the Vice-Chancellor and other Senior Officers of the University. The purpose of the meeting was to deepen the cordial working relationship with the Management of the University and also address pressing issues concerning the Hall for sustainable solutions.
In his welcome address, Prof. Richard Osei-Amponsah, a fellow of the Hall delineated the objectives of the gathering. He emphasised the significance of the session in fostering insightful discussions on the current state of Commonwealth Hall, its progress and envisioned improvements.
Prof. Joseph Adusei Sarkodie, the Senior Hall Tutor, introduced new JCR executives, while providing a comprehensive report on hall affairs. He expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for approving the request to elect executives from among Level 100 students, who are currently resident in a hall, to help manage the affairs of the hall.
Prof. Adusei Sarkodie presented a report on the weeklong events marking the fellow-student week celebration which included a student engagement, indoor games and an orientation programme. He also highlighted ongoing projects such as the refurbishment of reading rooms, enhancement of entertainment amenities, improvements in washroom facilities and Wi-Fi connectivity. He thanked the Vice-Chancellor and other senior officers for their unwavering support and appealed for consideration in increasing tutor allowances at Commonwealth Hall.
The Acting Hall Master, Dr. Charles Brenya Wiafe-Akenteng elaborated on the need to find a lasting solution to the rampant Commonwealth – Mensah Sarbah Hall disturbances. He echoed pleas from residents of the Hall for revision of the rule prohibiting non-Commonwealth Hall residents from visiting the hall. He also relayed appeals for management to lift the ban on sporting activities. Touching on the state of security in the hall, Dr. Wiafe-Akenteng noted that there has been an installation of CCTV cameras as well as the deployment UG Security personnel to prevent future conflicts.
Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo applauded the Hall’s Governing Council for demonstrating leadership in managing its affairs. She also commended them for the Fellow-Students Hall Week celebration initiative and the various infrastructural developments outlined by the Senior Tutor.
Prof. Amfo stressed the need for a serene and conducive environment for teaching and learning and was optimistic that the Hall and University Management will continue to enjoy a cordial relationship.
There was a period of interaction between the fellows and the UG Officials present. At the end of the event, fellows of the hall expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and her team for honouring the invitation to the event. They assured Management of their support for every good cause that would be beneficial to the hall and the University of Ghana.
The Pro Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic and Student Affairs (ASA), Prof. Gordon A. Awandare stated that he was proud of the achievements of the Commonwealth hall. He further lauded the Hall Council for providing strong leadership to restore sanity in the Hall and the University.
The event was attended by two former Hall Masters, Prof. George Armah and Prof. Harry Akussah. The Registrar of the University, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Elizier Ameyaw-Buronyah, President of the University Teachers Association (UTAG), Legon Branch, Prof. Ransford Gyampoh, were among the officials who attended the event.
The interaction ended with a lunch reception at the Senior Common Room.
