FAREWELL SPEECH BY THE NUGS PRESIDENT – MR. PETER KWASI KODJIE DELIVERED AT THE HANDING-OVER CEREMONY OF THE NATIONAL UNION OF GHANA STUDENTS (NUGS) AT THE KAMA CONFERENCE CENTRE ON OCTOBER 5, 2012

Mr. Chairman,
All Protocol Observed,
Colleagues,
The Media,

It is an honour to present to this gathering on behalf of the out-going executives a farewell address that closes the chapter on the 2011/20

12 NUGS year.

“Everyman’s work shall be made manifest, for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try everyman’s work of what sort it is”. (1 Corinthians 3:13, KJV)

The year under review has been a very tough one. During the past two academic years, NUGS has terribly been subjected to a painful public flogging and ridicule as a result of the divisions and apathy within its executive structure. This unfortunate situation sent the much needed wake up call to all of us.

The state of the Union then, was a reminder that the measure of any person is not in how many times he or she falls down - but rather the spirit and resolve used to get up and put things right.

Like every organization, there comes a time to do some somber reflection and take a giant step forward. Every society at the brink of extinction evolves to a better state than it previously was and so they have always said that “necessity is the mother of invention”.

We have eaten of the tree of knowledge, we now know what it feels like to run a Union with a ruined reputation, we are facing the devastating consequences of having left the fundamental principles that gave birth to NUGS.

Today however, a different story is being told; the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has set itself back on track after a long spell of division and lack of focus. We are happy to inform you that NUGS in this academic year will have only one set of executives.

I wish to use this platform to thank all SRC Presidents and Local NUGS Presidents in particular for their enduring support and encouragement throughout this period.

Special mention will be made of the SRC President of University of Ghana; Mr. Edmond Kombat who availed his institution’s facilities and personal office for all the Unity meetings between the two sides.

He also assumed Chairmanship of the IMC that saw the successful organization of the emergency congress to elect our new leaders.
We are also grateful to the other members of the IMC; Mr. Raymond Bayor – SRC President (GIJ), Mr. Awudu Kanton – SRC President (UDS –Wa), Miss Ella Nungo - Local NUGS President (AUCC). When the history of this great Union is being written, these names will forever be etched in GOLD.

Our ONE IMPORTANT TARGET – UNITY has been achieved, but at an extremely high price. I must be very frank and open; there have been many obstacles in our way – both within and without. The easiest of the options would have been to say that Osman should organize his Congress and I also do same. But we chose to do what our predecessors couldn’t do - PUTTING NUGS FIRST.

It is my greatest wish that the Union does not go through this shameful experience again. Never again should we allow one individual to hold the entire Union to ransom. We have paid a dear price to put the Union back on track. We should not allow pettiness and arbitrariness to derail the Union in such a way as to nullify its existence.

I will like to take this opportunity, since it will be the last time I address this Union as President to express my sincerest gratitude for the cooperation the Union has enjoyed from the Media, the Ministry of Education, heads of institutions, our dear member institutions and the component blocs under NUGS.

We have grown within the confines of NUGS, hence whatever knowledge we have acquired about leadership in the past year has been possible as a result of our association with NUGS; and if tomorrow should judge us kindly we would say you have been major contributors to the tremendous strides made during our tenure of office as NUGS executives, but if history judges us unkindly in the future we would take full responsibilities.

In spite of the fact that we are leaving office, I can assure that our heart, soul and spirit will be with you. We have met the best of friends in life in NUGS, and to those who have been genuine friends to us we are grateful to you all.

In NUGS also, I have learnt the true meaning of a “Trojan horse” and I learnt quickly to say THANKS BUT NO THANKS to such things that are ostensibly supposed to be gifts. Colleagues, there are no free gifts in politics; the gifts will always have some implicit strings attached. One day, you will definitely be called to pay the price. Take my advice; “THERE ARE NO FREE GIFTS IN POLITICS”. They will come disguised in all manners and sorts, but be wary; NOT ALL THAT GLITTERS IS GOLD!

The task you have taken upon yourselves is enormous, but I honestly believe with God on your side you are more than conquerors. I pray you to cooperate with each other for the betterment of NUGS, for united you stand and divided you split asunder. Seek guidance from God for it is He who giveth wisdom and knowledge to those who search for it.

I hope that member institutions would extend the same cooperation and support that you have given us to the in-coming executives.

We leave with a lot of sorrow, but we must decrease so that others will increase. At this time, it is our option to look at some new challenges in life.

We leave with the assurance that this will not be the last time our two feet shall dance together. We cannot promise 24/7 of our time for NUGS, but we will always be there when the Union wants us.

And let us always remember that it is not how long our lives are that matter, but rather how good those lives have been put to use. Twenty (20) years of purpose is better than sixty (60) years of wastefulness. For as long as there is breadth in us let us never cease doing good.

Finally, it is my fervent hope and prayer that, one day and I hope that day is near when this country shall be able to make EDUCATION ENTIRELY A RIGHT, AND NOT A PRIVILEGE.

Thank you and may the Almighty God bless us all.

NUGS organises SSNIT registration for students on campus

The KNUST local chapter of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) is organizing a massive social security number registration for students on campus. This is to aid students who wish to apply for the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) Students' Loan.

In an interview with Paul Worlanyo, The Public Relations Officer of NUGS - KNUST, he says the registration process is to ease pressure on students who would have to go the SSNIT office to join long queues before they get a social security number to enable them apply for students' loan.

The registration process is being done in the traditional halls starting from the Republic Hall on October 9, 2012. The climax will be at Africa Hall on Monday October 15, 2012.

DAVID APINGA, FOCUS FM, KUMASI


 

 sourcehttp://www.focusfmonline.com/index.php/campus/item/557-nugs-organises-ssnit-registration-for-students-on-campus

FUNDING TERTIARY EDUCATION IN GHANA: MY THOUGHT

Many leaders and managers of education the world over, believe the best way of eradicating poverty and invariably developing a nation is through enhancing the ingenuity of the citizenry through, accessible, affordable and quality education. The poverty index of sub-Saharan Africa stands at 2 out of every three persons (major criterion being those who leave on less than a dollar a day). This therefore presupposes that African governments should make investing in education a major priority. This has not been the case, university education for instance has been starved of funds, that is why we must all bring our suggestion to bear, in an effort towards ameliorating, if not wiping out the situation.
Elsewhere (especially in America) government gives less than 10 percent of what is needed in running universities as subvention, the remaining over 90% is raised by the Universities through three major ways;
1. Fees charge on students
2. Sale research outcomes
3. Strategic alliances with the cooperate world
Here in Ghana the case is different; government gives only a paltry 17% of what is needed in running Universities (this is usually in the form of emoluments of lecturers and other workers) and more than 30% of university students go through "hell" to be able to defray the current charges. A rise will inadvertently mean a significant rise in the percentage that will be deprived of university education on the bases of their pockets and not brains. Surely the essence of education mentioned afore will be defeated.
Again, our tertiary institutions are bereft of the necessary equipment and logistics to even contemplate pioneering the second source of funding in America. The input will be poor and a chaffy outcome would be inevitable.
These challenges clearly signify how peculiar our situation is and the need for us to look within and be more innovative, if our desire is to get the problem resolved. The introduction of a new tax regime aside, VAT, NHIS and Communication tax will put the economy under duress and strangulate economic growth. I therefore suggest three pragmatic ways of going about this.
1. Many students go for the students' loan when they know they don't need it. What can be done is an arrangement with the Universities to pay the loans of students directly into University accounts. This would abate the instance of students going for the money when they do not need it and give universities the opportunity to prop-up their charges to meet academic and research demands. In this blueprint, those who fall below the ability to pay such charges would then apply for the students loan which will be paid directly to the University of study and not the individual. One may ask, where will SLTF get the money from. It is noteworthy that the component of VAT for SLTF is adequate in funding this plan, if transparent management is employed. Again, a lot of students who are able to afford the fees won't apply for it cos it will not come directly to them to spend extravagantly.
2. Segmenting our tax system to levy the rich in society is another lustrous plan. In this plan, a slight increase in tax shall be imposed on some goods and services considered to be patronized by the rich in society. For instance, tax component of the the cost of cars above 30 thousand dollars could be appreciated. An aggregation of these funds, coupled with strategic investment will yield something quiet substantial to cushion the finances of Universities.
3. Striking an alliance between the cooperate world and government or the Universities has been seen in times past as almost entirely next to impossibility. With no background in economics, i believe the four factors of entrepreneurship have labor as one of the prime factors. An arrangement could be made between the Universities and the cooperate world, with government playing a supervisory role, for students to work as interns in such firms. In this arrangement, these students will not be paid, but will be given allowances for their upkeep, and the money for their services given to the Universities to be shared on a pro rata basis.Also government could entice the extractive industry with tax incentives to make a commitment of their profits to funding University education. The advantage here is that, the monies will not go to the consolidated fund as tax, where accessing it through the budget will require unimaginable effort, but will go directly into an account specially created to cushion University funds. Further, the arrangement to offer students as interns will imbue them with the tenets of the working world and hence be adequate preparation towards work after school.
I believe as and when we get the opportunity to interact with the major stakeholders of tertiary education more innovations will come up. We the University Students' Association of Ghana want to make the assurance that, we are fully committed to attending to the needs of our future and country will remain resolute and relentless in giving alternatives to the appropriate quarterses with the view of improving the system. Thanks for reading this, your doubts and opinions are welcome. LETS RECLAIM OUR GLORY!

A FRESH PAGE IN THE STUDENT MOVEMENT; THE RESOLVE OF THE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION OF GHANA (USAG)

A FRESH PAGE IN THE STUDENT MOVEMENT; THE RESOLVE OF THE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION OF GHANA (USAG)
Inevitable to every human endeavor is change and history proves that any society that yields not to change is doomed to irrelevance. it is with regard to this natural phenomenon, coupled with due cognizance of the precarious situation the student movement finds itself today, that the University Students' Association of Ghana made a choice for a paradigm shift, a choice that will extricate us from the quagmire of irrelevance we currently find ourselves and strategically place us on a pedestal where we can proffer cogent solutions to the myriad of teething challenges that confront our education and nation. This we believe will have rippling effects on our development and the shape of our future.
The interference of major political actors in what transpires within the rank and file of the student movement, and the consequent deterioration of our ability to question activities of government and political parties that constitute a bane for the underdevelopment and destitution of the majority of our people has never been a secret. We the University Students' Association of Ghana therefore believe that, in as much as there exists a symbiotic relationship between policy makers and the student movement, clear demarcations must be outlined between the individual responsibilities. To this end, we are ready to dig dip into our conscience and garner all the values and principles at our disposal in accomplishing the reason we were given the mandate to serve Ghanaian University students.
Again, the reluctance of policy makers in enacting policies and programmes to ameliorate the current social problems as well the inefficiency of agencies tasked to guide and inject some improvement into our educational system shall constitute issues in our every discussion. In this regard we are prepared to partner Civil Service Organizations (CSOs), Think Tank groups and other relevant stakeholders to find solutions to these problems. Prime to research areas will be the areas of graduate unemployment, funding of University education and the topical issue of academic accreditation. These problems, we believe, when given the necessary permanent solutions will give solace to other areas of national concern like economic growth and poverty eradication.
We further wish to state, without any iota of ambiguity, that we will question and make our voices known on salient issues that constitute the coordinates of our development as well as demand an a appraisal by the appropriate institutions and agencies about any cloudy development or action. This we believe will not only procure the student movement some relevance and astuteness but also give our development the best shape. Our role cannot be overemphasized, hence any person or group of persons who wishes to side step us will receive the sternest of fight backs. We dully also realize that, the polarity of our political system makes it difficult to adequately criticize or commend government without been tagged, however, it is only those who care not about the development of our nation who sit on the fence, and history has no place for such individuals. That will therefore not discourage us in our strife.
In conclusion, USAG has resolved to be a marked departure from the current disposition of the student movement and we dare say, we will do everything within our power to draw leverage back to the University student, who constitutes the best bet of the nation going forward.

Gbiel Patrick Walter

Information and International Relations Secretary,
University Students Association of Ghana (USAG).

TRIBUTE TO THE LATE PRESIDENT HIS EXCELLENCY JOHN EVANS ATTA MILLS

It is an inevitable fact that a very great son of the soil in the highest office of the land has suddenly and unpredictably passed away. Prof; your demise is a great loss to all students especially Ghana Union of Professional Students.
His Excellency Professor John Evans Atta Mills has been a father and a president of all that even in the face all challenges and trying moments he preached and stood for peace and unity.
The Ghana Union Of Professional Students – GUPS - wish to unequivocally state that may the demise of our late President serve as fulcrum around which peace, unity and success revolves among us Ghanaians.
On behalf of the Union the leadership wishes to through this medium extend our heartfelt condolence to the

former first lady, Mrs. Naadu Mills, the Deceased families, the Government of Ghana , the NDC party and the entire nation for the loss. Yes, we know the late president is not replaceable by virtue of his own unique attributes yet we say May the good Lord console, strengthen and guide us all in this moment of mourning and even after the burial.
We wish to use this platform to extend the best of leadership wishes to the new president His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and the entire administration. May you be guided by God in every decision making for the betterment of the good people of Ghana.
To all political parties, we say let us all put our differences aside, come together as a nation and mourn our late president bearing in mind that what unites us together is stronger than what divides us hence the need to pursue Peace and Unity even as we mourn.
Finally, the Ghana Union of Professional Students prays that the soul of His Excellency John Evans Atta Mills earn eternal rest in the perfect peaceful bosom of God.

 

 

Israel Venunye

As we cross another milestone, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to Ghanaian students for the opportunity to serve this Union.

I may not have been perfect, but I am happy to have been part of the team that brought the unnecessary division and acrimony within the union to an end.

I sincerely wish the new Andrews Gyan-led administration well. I am also willing and always available to assist in whatever form I can, to see them succeed.

I am very glad to have worked with Osman Ayariga, Peter K. Kodjie, Courage Nobi, Edmond Kombat, Emmanuel Padi, Eric Amponsah, Cyril Xatse and Samuel Noi Mensah.

As for those beleaguered individuals who still wish to hang around and cause mayhem in the union, the earlier they repent and abandon their subversive agenda, the better it would be for them. Ghanaian students know better.

The new leadership of the Union needs to put their feet down and do what their supposed to do.

GOD BLESS NUGS!!

OPERATION 5000!!!  THE WAY FORWARD 

Fellow students, a few weeks back the Edmond Kombat led administration in conjunction with some brave students in levels 200 and 300 decided to break the jinx of complaining about our current grading system by embarking on a project to collate 5000 signatures of students in levels 200 and 300 who are bearing the direct brunt of our current grading system. We decided to break the ice and act instead of complain about the current state of affairs. This project was code named Operation 5000 and sought to address the issue of the grading system by petitioning all who mattered in the field of academia with the signatures collated.

Though we sought to alleviate the plight of students by formally registering our displeasure with the current grading system and asking for a review through our petition to the university academic board chairman who happens to be our Vice chancellor, certain elements within the student body decided to sow seeds of discord and discourage students from taking part in this righteous exercise. Operation 5000 however, was enthusiastically received by all who heard about it and was a huge success in lecture rooms and halls. We were not daunted by these “doubting Thomases” but forged on with the knowledge that nothing great has been achieved on a silver platter or with no resistance.

Colleagues, it is with much joy and exhilaration that I inform even those who never heard of operation 5000 that the petition was sent and favourable reply has been received from our Vice chancellor Professor Ernest Aryeetey. In our petition, we outlined the reasons why we believed there was the need for a review of the current grading system and also made suggestions as to how the review could be conducted. Our Vice chancellor did not turn a deaf ear to our plea and accordingly replied us in a letter dated 11th October 2012. The summary of the contents of the letter is that a committee has been set up to look into a possible review of the current grading system. He also stated that the committee’s report would be submitted soon and therefore urged students to exercise some patience whiles we await the report of the committee. He was however quick to add that he was ready to attend any forum organised to address the issue of the current grading system and its repercussions.

At this point, allow me to mention the names of the gallant soldiers of operation 5000 who braved all odds and stood through thick and thin to make this project a reality. Our own SRC President, Mr Edmond Kombat, The chief petitioner, Michael Adjei Darkwah of Mensah Sarbah Hall, Kwame Owusu- Apenteng of Mensah Sarbah Hall, Kenneth Parku Ackah of Commonwealth Hall, Joshua Andrews Egyir of Legon Hall, Nana Amoako Asante of Commonwealth Hall, Michael Opoku Antwi of Alexander Kwapong Hall, Duke Opoku Mensah of Legon Hall, Joshua Dogbe of Alexander Kwapong Hall, Shalom Aramide of Volta Hall and all who were bold enough to append their signatures. We want to assure all students that the struggle has not ended and we would do all within our power to tackle this issue and ensure a change in the grading system in the very near future.

To the new entrants of our noble university, that is the level 100’s who are yet to experience this system, I would admonish you to study hard and put in your best. The road may seem long, the stars may seem far away, the mountains may seem insurmountable but with a little diligence, hard work and a positive attitude, every dream can be made a reality.

POSITIVE LEADERSHIP
FOR ANY ENQUIRIES PLS CALL (0247056291)

Michael Adjei

 

 

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO SRC EXECUTIVE OF JAYEE
 

ON BEHALF OF THE LEADERSHIP OF THE GHANA UN ION OF PROFESSIONAL STUDENTS I WISH UNEQUIVOCALLY CONGRATULATE YOU ON YOUR ELECTION AND SWEARING IN AS SRC EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF THE JAYEE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO RENDER AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE OUTGONE EXECUTIVE FOR THEIR SERVICES AND SACRIFICES IN FIGHTING FOR THE GOOD INTEREST OF STUDENTS. MAY THEIR GOOD WORKS FOLLOW THEM TO WHEREVER THEY GO AND WE SHALL ALWAYS REMEMBER THEM.
TO THE NEW ONES I SAY BE COMMITED, DEDICATED , HARDWORKING, SELFLESS, READY TO LEARN, ACCESIBLE AND ABOVE ALL PRAYERFUL IN ALL THINGS. NEVER ALLOW THE UGLY TEETH OF SEGREGATION TO EAT INTO YOUR LEADERSHIP INSTEAD BRING EVERYBODY ON BOARD. REMEMBER THAT NO ONE PERSON IS AN EPITOME OF WISDOM HENCE CONSULT AS THE

NEED ARISES. ALL CAN FAIL BUT GOD WILL NOT FAIL YOU. I WISH YOU THE BEST IN YOUR LEADERSHIP AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU.
LONG LIVE JAYEE SRC
                                                                  LONG LIVE GUPS

SIGNED
MICHAEL PAA-KWECY ADU
NATIONAL GUPS PRESIDENT

Andrews Kofi Gyan (DISCLAIMER)

                                                                     DISCLAIMER

i want to officially inform the general public and the very good people of the NATIONAL UNION OF GHANA STUDENTS (NUGS). That I, Andrews Kofi Gyan, have not issued any news item concerning the creation of the new constituencies, as published in some news papers.
the out going executives have confirmed, that they are responsible and i want to dis- associate myself and the other executives of the NUGS fraternity from such a release. for more info: contact BRAKO POWERS ON 0242628164 (he signed the released) thank you all and God bless you. // LONG LIVE NUGS, LONG LIVE GHANA//