Ghana’s future left in the dirty hands of student politics?

Sometimes, I sit down and ponder on the future of Ghana and Africa. We always say, the YOUTH ARE THE FUTURE OF OUR COUNTRY. Is that wholly true? To me, the question is not about whether we are the ‘future’ or the ‘now’ of our country. But it’s a question of preparedness. Are our youth prepared to take up the challenge of the future?

The unanimous answer is always YES! The youth are ready.  And I agree. We are ready because there is not so much to learn and to apply at the top there. Most of us today, know already how to skin 20%, off a contract. We already know how to divert communal/public funds into our private accounts. We already know the dirty ways of ‘playing the political game and winning the votes of the people.

This is what STUDENT LEADERSHIP in Ghana has grown to become. Know how to convince the people and win their votes, even if it means buying it from them and reimbursing yourself with the communal funds upon wining power. Youth leaders or particularly, we the STUDENT LEADERS already know how to bloat budgets. It’s a sad reality for us.  The dirty remnants of our national politics have crept into youth leadership.
Government seems to lack a clear policy direction on YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT. LEADERSHIP TRAINING, YES! AND I MEAN LEADERSHIP TRAINING. The whole process seems to have been left at the mercy of STUDENT POLITICS. And it sounds interesting how every STUDENT LEADER LEAVES OFFICE WITH A FUTURE AMBITION OF CONTESTING FOR MP IN THEIR CONSTITUENCIES and we achieve it, in most cases-except where the old gurus are yet to retire, at most by 2016. To me, the greatest punishment successive governments of Ghana have inflicted upon the development prospects of Ghana is to have left LEADERSHIP TRAINING in the hands of STUDENT POLITICS on campuses and at CONGRESSES. The least said about the Congresses, the better. Because in the end, we all claim, ‘JACK! THE STUDENT POLITICS IS NOT ANY DIFFERENT FROM THE NATIONALPOLITICS.  IT’S EVEN TOUGHER DOWN HERE’. How sad.

I believe, moving forward as a nation, Government should set up a clear institution for LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR THE YOUTH, whether incorporated in the academic curriculum as an extracurricular activity or outside of it. It should focus on helping the youth understand the ever-expanding CIVIL SOCIETY, GLOBALIZATION, THIRD PARTY GROUPS LIKE NGOS AND CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS, their intended and unintended consequences on development.  Africa should channel resources into helping current youth/student leaders understand the roles we can play in our quest to attain the MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS and fighting CLIMATE CHANGE. These are the tasks of our generation.

It is for these reasons that the US Department of State and other advanced countries commit up to $232million to building the leadership capacities of our youth through their various cultural-exchange programmes like the FULLBRIGHT Scholarship, YES (Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study ), IVLP  (International Visitor Leadership Program), IMET, Peace Corps, PPAP,  etc.  I believe government should shift emphasis to these paths as ways of securing the development of our country because indeed, STUDENT POLITICS, since the return to democracy, from 1992 has failed as woefully, as a nation and I say it again woefully without fear or favour.

The writer, AHMED SALIM NUHU, is the current president of the College of Art and Social Sciences Students’ Council, KNUST.

Source: http://www.myjcr.com/articles/opinions/ghanas-future-left-in-the-dirty-hands-of-student-politics-770

47TH NUGS CONGRESS BEGINS IN PRAMPRAM

A former Ghanaian Diplomat and Columnist, Dr. K.B. Asante has challenged Ghanaian students to use the unique opportunity they have as students to think of relevant ways of solving the myriad of problems Ghana is facing. He expressed worry about the essence of certain courses being offered in the various Universities and the impact they have on students' skills development.

Dr. Asante, who is a columnist with Daily Graphic, said this during a short ceremony to begin the 47th National Union of Ghana Students' Congress today in Prampram.

The Congress, which spans from 24th to 26th August 2013 is under the theme; "NUGS: A RELIABLE PARTNER FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT". It has brought together over 800 student leaders from across the country to the Campus of Central University in Prampram.It will offer these student leaders the platform to debate pertinent issues bordering the welfare of Ghanaian Students: hear from speakers and experts in tassel meetings and finally elect new leaders to carry on the leadership mantle.

Professor Kwesi Yankah, President of the Central University urged the students/delegates to have the will to dream and make them become realities to better society. 

The NUGS President, Andrew Kofi Gyan was impressed with the coordination of mechanisms within NUGS in ensuring that his administration run devoid of factions and conflicts which often retards progress. Kofi Gyan used the occasion to advise students to respect the August 29th Verdict when it is declared by the Supreme Court.

The ceremony was officially used to launch the Ghana Student Discount Card; an initiative by NUGS which will see student holders buying products in some selected shops at a very good discounted rates.
President of the National Union of Students, UK, Toni Pearce, who launched the Discount Card commended her Ghanaian counterparts for such a wonderful initiative. She promised to partner NUGS to embark on certain projects which will be of benefits to students in both country-UK & Ghana.

For more updates, Stay tuned to NUGS NEWS DESK!! We have our correspondents on the field working to keep you posted.

“Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta!”

NUGS ON INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY

It was On 17 December 1998 that the UN General Assembly based on a recommendation by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth decided that 12 August is declared International Youth Day. This year, the theme for the Celebration   is "Youth Migration: Moving Development forward." 

We as Ghanaian youth in solidarity with the UN also wish to acknowledge the contribution of youth migrants into and out of  our country to the development of mother Ghana. Fortunately, our brothers and sisters who migrate to other countries do remit some of their hard earned resources into our country and are therefore a major contributor to the development of mother Ghana. On the other hand, in as much as some foreign immigrants are contributing their quota to our economic development, others are engaged  in so many illegal activities that militate the development of Mother  Ghana, such activities includes illegal mining which has become a matter of  National Concern and the menace caused by Fulani Herdsmen. 

As part of our solemn observation of this day, we wish to admonish all Ghanaian youth that we are one family, and we need each other now more than ever. Therefore, let us all assume that our mother Ghana is pregnant at the Supreme Court and so if she gives birth to NPP or NDC, we should all in the spirit of solidarity accept our sibling and live together in the peace that generations have guarded with their lives.

Again, we implore the Supreme Court to ensure that JUSTICE is served.

Finally, our advice to the government of this country is that the implementation plan for the National Youth Policy is long overdue and we  wish to see more of the commitment of government in achieving the goals that have been set out by the policy for the development of our country, these are days of peace and so our words are for peace but this is very important to us.

To our colleague youth, the development of mother Ghana depends on our actions today, so let’s come together as one and insist on what is due as peacefully.

Long Live Ghana

Long Live the Youth of Mother Ghana

Long Live Justice and Peace loving Citizens of Ghana

Thank you.

(Signed)                                                                                                                                              

P.D. Orchill

NUGS Rep. to the National Youth Authority Board

(0201114068/0203244855)

Seth Odame-Mensah

International Relations Secretary

(0546133402)

Daniel Blaise Annan

USAG Information and International Relations Secretary (Elect)

(0245514943)

UTAG Begins Strike Today Despite Gov’t Assurance

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

Despite an emergency meeting on Wednesday evening between the leadership of UTAG and the fair wages and salaries commission, The University Teachers Association of Ghana are starting an indefinite strike today.  

 In an interview with journalist, President of the University Teachers Association, Dr Anthony Simons indicated that they will not allow themselves to be taken for granted any longer. We are demanding payment of arrears and other allowances and until that is done we are not going back to the class he noted.  

 UTAG had gone on strike earlier this year but suspended it after promises by the Government to resolve the Teachers’ grievances.   An emergency meeting held Wednesday night with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) failed to avert the strike.   

 Deputy Minister in charge of tertiary education, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has however assured the university teachers their outstanding premiums will be settled by Friday.  

CREDIT: Ghananewslink.com

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE NATIONAL UNION OF GHANA STUDENTS (NUGS) ON THE PROPOSED TAX ON PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN GHANA

We the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) in the spirit of solidarity with the Private University Students Association (PUSAG) wishes to bring to the notice of the Government of the Republic of Ghana that we do not, and shall not, in any way support the proposed Taxes to be paid by private universities in Ghana.

We in NUGS and the National Student fraternity believe that education is a right and not a privilege; and therefore any law that seeks to undermine, nullify, or invalidate this cornerstone on which our National Student fraternity is built shall be treated as an oppressors rule and fought with all our strength and with all our might.

This law will;

Increase the rate at which students drop out from school

Definitely reduce the about 26% of annual intake of applicants by the Private Universities

Lead to the retrenchment of Staff and hence increase the unemployment rate, leading to a high
 dependency ratio, with the possible negative effects attached.

It shall also motivate corruption in the Public Universities due to the high demand coupled with the fact that the private Universities are unaffordable.

It may also lead to the folding-up of most or some of the Private Universities which are churning out quality and not just quantity graduates annually.

Already, Private Universities get no subvention from government, nothing from the GetFund, and no regular support from government. Governments erroneously posit policy with the proprietors in mind with little or no recourse to the fact that we the students feel the burden of payment.

These notwithstanding, private students are expected to be nationalistic, sacrifice a year of our active working life for National Service which most private students see as “National Suffering” because if I spend close to GHs 8000 every year on my education, having collected so many bank loans at commercial rate, since I cannot access the Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) and then after that I am paid about GHs 240.00 a month, whiles the job market require years of post national service working experience before I can get a well paid job to settle my debts;  then it is obvious that the economic pressure on the average private student is too high and this has to be checked well  before the situation gets out of hand.

It was for such foreseen circumstances that the framers of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana added among Educational Rights that there shall be no full cost recovery and yet, not only are private students paying full cost, but government is now seeking to add taxes to our already herculean financial challenge.

We are therefore imploring government to retract this harsh regulation before birth before we advice ourselves.

Long Live Ghana

Long Live NUGS

Long live all Ghanaian Students

Signed                                                  Signed                          signed
Louisa Atta- Agyemang                    Elias Zigah        Eugene Akom Damptey
Ag NUGS President                  PUSAG President        Educ. & Demo. Secretary
0241967709                                 0207975394                      0243286574                   

STEVE KUBATE IS GUPS PRESIDENT ELECT!

Steve Kubate Salifu-GUPS Prez Elect

Steve Kubate Salifu, a level 300 Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies Student of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) has been elected as President of the Ghana Union of Professional Students (GUPS) for  the 2013/14 Academic Year. Steve obtained 105 out of the 153 total vote cast to beat his contender Solomon Seidu Gbelizean from JAYEE University College who had 48 votes. This happened in the just ended 11^th Delegates' Congress of the Union which was held at the University of Energy and Natural Resource in Sunyani.

In his victory speech, Steve called on candidates, both winners and unsuccessful to rally behind him to advocate and advance the developmental agenda of professional students in the Country. Steve among other things mentioned he would advocate for the amendment of the GETFUND Act to include private Universities as well as the upgrading of some Universities like National Film and Television Institute and School of Social Work. 

Prior to his election, Steve has been the President of GIJ’s Sutherland Hall, President of Institute of Public Relations-GIJ Chapter and a onetime Deputy Speaker of GIJ’s Students’ Parliament.

In the other portfolios, Eunice Mintah Young, a level 400 student of GIJ lost narrowly to her contender, Gertrude Adzo Borko of University of Professional Studies by 2 votes: Eunice had 77 votes whilst Gertrude had 79 votes.

Senyo Gladstone, Kwame Bonah, Fred Ansong, Nana Yaw Edusei and Gabson Gakpo were elected Press and Information Secretary, International Relations Officer, Treasurer, Financial Controller and Projects and Programmes Cordinator Respectively. These students stood unopposed.

The Women’s Commissioner Portfolio was keenly contested by Rachael Tutu of University of Professional Studies and Rachael Oforiwaa Arhin of Ghana Institute of Journalism. Rachael Arhin won with 95 votes whilst her opponent had 54 votes.

The Delegates Congress, which started on Wednesday 17^th July, brought together Eleven Professional Tertiary Institutions from across the country. Some of which were Zenith College, University of Development Studies, Institute of Business, Management and Journalism, and University College of Management Studies (Accra & Kumasi).  The Elections were generally described as peaceful.

Mean while, Candidate for Coordinating Secretary position, Emmanuel Blankson, was disqualified for his lack of knowledge of the GUPS Constitution and functions of a Coordinating Secretary.

Stay tuned as your authoritative tertiary Blog site will come your way with a detailed profile of the newly Elected Executives and the various policies they hope to implement to promote the welfare of students in Ghana.

GUPS CONGRESS 2013

We bring you greetings from the National Secretariat of the Union.The National Executive Council is humbly by this notice inviting you to the Annual Residential  Delegates’ Congress 2013, on the 17th to 21st 0f July, 2013 at the University Of Energy And Natural Resources, Sunyani.

The theme for the congress is “SUSTAINING UNITY THE ROLE OF THE PROFESSIONAL”Capitation is 100 Ghana cedis per student.Arrival is 17th July, 2013 at 4:00pm. Let's try as much as possible to avoid lateness.

As per the constitution, every institution is required to present 15 delegates and 5 observers.Also, note that for institutions to participate fully in congress as well as have eligible candidates to contest elections they must have paid their dues for the 2012/2013 year, capitation and all arrears owned the union.

Accommodation and feeding will be catered for except that participants will be responsible for providing their own bed sheets and basic things like cup spoons and bowls for any unforeseen circumstance.Institutions are advised to bring cloth and shirts that will help identify their institutions for proposed programmes.Furthermore, every institution should bring a participant for the face of GUPS competition on details which are attached to this letter.

We would be counting on your usual co-operation and we wish you a safe journey to Sunyani. Thank youYours faithfully

TWUMASI .K. GYAMFI
(CO-ORDINATING SECRETARY) 

MICHAEL PAA QUECY A. ADU
(NATIONAL PRESIDENT)