Teamwork

Dear Student leader, I wish to bring to you a material i put together four years ago when i wanted to be president of our NUGS, find time to read it and access the issues if the challenges of then, are similar to that of now, and if the solutions so proposed can help rescue our dear Union.

PREFACE

The National Union of Ghana Students, Mother of all Ghana Students, abroad and at home, the future and today of our political development as a Nation have come so far to contributing its quota to the development of Mother Ghana.

Some of its prominent achievements are the successful organization of almost all students in Ghana under one umbrella Union called NUGS, the continuous struggle and rejection of undemocratic and corrupt regimes in governance saw the birth of democracy which we are still protecting in Ghana. The Union is noted for the current democratic dispensation that Ghana is enjoying. The Ghana Education Trust Fund (GET Fund) and the National Service Scheme are the brain children of NUGS.

These notwithstanding, there are some few problems that are trying to break the front of the Union. Notably among them is the perceived/actual infiltration of political parties in the student governance system, politicization of issues, corruption and maladministration, lack of adequate resources to enable the union stand on its feet, the absence of good institutional memories to mention but a few.

This book has been carefully woven to provide a solution to these issues stressed at the Union’s Web site. It is obvious that a Union like such needs to grow at a pace more commendable than we see now. The title TEAMWORK was chosen for this book because; Orchill believes that, to build our Union, we need all hands on deck with everyone contributing his quota in order to ensure the comfort and Joy of Ghana students. When such is achieved, then we can actually emphasize unquestionably that truly, Education is a right and not a privilege.

Thank God you have come across a piece like this Brother/Sister in the Economy of NUGS, combine this with other relevant documents of the Union and see how we shall grow and develop at a pace commendable by our students in particular and the world at large. 

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to the National Union of Ghana Students, Dan Thompson, and other Former Officers who have selflessly and dedicatedly served the Union.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

A duty like such could not have been completed without a touch of Grace. I therefore give great acknowledgment to the most High God. Then to my mother Mama Cynthia Araba Arhine, who sat and watch my infant head. Then to Mama Joeba Arhine, Mama Adwoa Arhine who is a Music lecturer at University of Ghana, and to the late memory of Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Prah not forgetting Sir Sam Jonah for his contribution to education in the country.

Little will I forget my father, the hero of my life, Mr. Joe Orchill, my MCE, Mr. Noah Asante Manu of the Bekwai Municipality and all staff of the Municipal Assembly as well as the Municipal Health Insurance Scheme.

Not forgetting, Maame Tiwaa (Headmistress) and Staff as well as all members of the BAOSAn Fraternity of the Bekwai SDA Senior Secondary School.

I am also highly indebted to all Women commissioners of our institutions and to crown them all, the Women Commisioner of NUGS Mama Evelyn N. Amponsah. Not forgetting the dedicated crop of students in the helm of affairs of the Union.

In addition, I owe a sence of gratitude to all Steering Committee members of the 43rd Annual NUGS Congress for their immence support to the student front in Ghana not to leave the Chief Justice (Daniel Coffie), the members of the Judicial Board now and then, the Vetting Committee for their selfless overnight service to the Union the Local Organising Committee (L.O.C.) and all other committee members and Heads at the 43rd NUGS Congress.

I will also want to give a special recognision to all Local NUGS and SRC executives of all our institutions and a special thank you to Francis Agilinko, and Mr. Mashoud Abayomi (Accountant – City Campus), Mr. Antah (Librarian) for giving me strength in the midst of adversities.

I also want to give a word of gratitude to the following friends with a word of sorry for those I may not be able to mention because I know the list is inconclusive; Asidu Koranteng Samuel, Asune Jemima, Maame Yaa Pokuaa Akomea, Gaisie Nyame-Aye, Rabi, Anaab, Aboagye (Zenith College SRC President) Justice, Martin, Bilal (Shipshaping), Sadat, Sadiq Nathaniel Lartey, Kwabena Tuffour, Peter Cathline Naegeli, Jerry John Campbell, Vorsah Mawuku Michael, Opoku Ware, Julian Coubinah (Ascorbic), Auxtyn Brako-Powers, Benjamin, Ahmed Salim, Maxwell Klu, Edwin Appiah, Marian Marking, and all other colleagues who gave me somewhere to sleep when I traveled through mother Ghana

Finally, the most special appreciation to all Ghanaian Students. Students, I say Ayekoo for coming this far with democracy and National Development. I assure you that I shall contribute my quota to our development in a way and manner that will be cherished by all, and remembered in the lines of the world.

INTRODUCTION

Teamwork is a necessary evil in all human endeavors. From the economy of God to the economy of Ghanaian Students, no one dare throw teamwork to the door because its consequences can be very dreadful.

To borrow from Dr. Edward N. Mahama from his book ‘The New Ghanaian A Mandate for Change’, I shall say, the time has come for us to do away with the Cosmetic democracy which is tearing the fabric of the beauty of student leadership in Ghana.

We as students are partners to National development just as much as we are future leaders. Fortunately, we have had and keep on having the platforms and systems which our predecessors had. The great leaders of Africa such as Kwame Nkrumah, Wole Soyinka, Julius Nyerere, Jomo Kenyetta and Nelson Mandela among others passed through systems similar to what we have today, so did the very worse African leaders. Some of whom became richer that their countries.

The difference we can, make is to make ourselves elements of change. Be an example of the change we want to see in society tomorrow. That is what I personally stand for and I need your immense help and contribution as a team of competent growing Ghanaians who are ready to take on the rest of the world in a way and manner in which our elements of selflessness departs not from us. For I say that in as much as selfishness never go unpunished, selflessness never go unrewarded.

In putting together this book, a careful consideration has been taken to ensure that the various policies and procedures it adopts are just as relevant to the politi–econo-psycho-cultural development of the Ghanaian student to borrow from Maxwell Klu (former Local NUGS President UMaT) whiles we consider the international student world which we partner with to ensure that the African student gets services 

Which are equal to the standards well acclaimed so that, we can boast that yes in Africa or in Ghana, Education is a Right and not a privilege.

We also consider how we will achieve the Unions seven year strategic plan which is almost becoming a cosmetic document for the Union though it has and addresses most of our needs yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

To conclude, the Union needs a team of competent, selfless, dedicated noble heroes and ‘sheroes’ of our student world to ensure that these and many more are achieved for our happiness. Congratulations also go to Ghanaian students for successful SRC elections. In my heart of hearts, let me put this on paper that Ghanaian students are my Heart, the schools are my blood, and the leaders are my soul. Whoever touches any in an unusual manner spills acid on me and as a result, I pledge myself to the service of the Union, with all my heart and with all my might.

ORCHILL PRINCE DAVID

The NUGS therapy for Success

Honesty Teamwork Accountable Affable Courageous

Openness Dedication Determination Polite Meticulous

Willingness Selflessness Virtuous Optimistic Religious

The NUGS Prayer

Almighty God, we humbly beseech thee to look with favor upon this Union.

Grant us a vision of our Union, fair as it might be, a Union of righteousness, where non shall wrong his neighbour, a Union of plenty where Loan and School fee problems shall be done away with

A Union of Brotherhood where success shall be founded on service and honor shall be given to the deserving.

A Union of peace where leadership shall rest in the hands of the selfless and dedicated students of Mother Ghana and the love for the common good of the Union, and not the whims and caprices of the powers that be.

Bless the efforts of those who help to make this vision a living reality.

Endow the members of the Union (NEC, CC, and Congress) with discernment and vision, integrity and courage. 

Inspire and strengthen students that we may give time thought and sacrifice that through our labors, thy Union shall be truly served

AMEN.

A Sonnet for the Union

Shinning eye of heaven that kills the envious moon

Brighter star in the darkness of the harmattan

Midnight echo which aspires the future noon

Skeleton without which Ghana is motionless

Joy of life when the flood of illiteracy creeps the land

Union with the beauty of Orion

Muscular producer of academic giants

Shelter where the corn is friend to the cock

Ant which contains multitudes of academic battalions

Friend of the zealous and enemy of the lethargic

NUGS, NUGS, our bright straight Angel

For you are as glorious as the mighty impressive mount of Sinai

You who shine like a sprouted morning rose

NUGS, NUGS, bliss of the ecstatic morn.

PRESIDENT: .Anthony Joe .Turkson Email:anthonyjoeturkson@yahoo.com

SECRETARY: Mahama Nashiru… Email: nashirumahama@yahoo.com

TREASURER: George Kwame Amponsah, Email: georgeamponsahkwame@yahoo.com

The National Union of Ghanaian Students, China was formed in 1988 to foster unity, strengthen and reinforce the union amongst Ghanaian students. It has as one of its mandate the right to defend members and awaken the spirit of solidarity among them. The union automatically consists of all Ghanaians studying in China under full or partial scholarship and fee paying students.

The union has been enjoying a very friendly relationship with the Ghana Embassy in China, the scholarship secretariat and the Government of Ghana for that matter. We wish to send a word of appreciation for all the supports they have been giving us over the years.

Students under Ghana government scholarship do not receive their allowances regularly; the problem has lingered on for some time. Other allowances like book and research allowances that will enable the students to purchase books and carry out laboratory works and researches are not paid on time, students have to write their thesis and publish articles by borrowing money from friends, which has to be paid back. Round trip tickets for students whose work demands that they go back to Ghana to collect data are most often than not denied, some students have to embark on the said data collection exercises at their own expenses.

In China, Students are not expected to work, if one gets a part-time teaching job and is caught by the police he/she will be jailed, forfeit his/her scholarship, and be sent back home, these restrictions should be discussed by our government with the Government of China so that it will be relaxed a bit as it is done in other countries

The attitudes of some personalities in the Ghana mission in China towards phone calls of members of NUGS-China are nothing to write home about. Something needs to be done about it. Due to the distance between Beijing and the cities where most of the students are staying, it is time consuming and costly to travel to Beijing anytime a student has an issue.( Averagely, it takes 12 hrs by train to get to the capital)

The non-involvement of NUGS-China by the embassy towards the planning and organization of certain activities like the celebration of our independence day and other such activities are also unpleasant.

The partial and non- scholarship students do not receive any form of assistance or benefit from the government. They are denied of the packages being enjoyed by their other colleagues, namely air tickets, monthly and shipping allowances as well as free customs duty when they finally transport their belongings home. We will plead with the Government to come to the aid of these other category of students, because at the end of the day they will render their services at home. On this issue a communiqué has been sent through the embassy to the scholarship secretariat and are awaiting the outcome.

There is a group of medical students who were deceived by an agent in Ghana who extorted huge sums of money from them with the view of helping them study abroad. As young and enterprising persons they were eager to learn abroad and go back to help mother Ghana so they accepted to pay the commission and enplaned o China.

They were made to understand that, the whole school fees for the year was $2500.00 and that he had arranged with the school to the effect that they will pay the fees by installments. They were also told that after the first year, they will not pay fees again and that they can as well get a job to help them with the fees and their sustenance.

On arrival at the school, when they were given the school’s brochure (which according to the institution was sent to their agent to be given to them though they did not receive it), the breakdown of the fees was presented to them as follows; Tuition fees: 32,000RMB, accommodation 9,850RMB. Residential permit and registration 1500RMB totaling 43,350RMB ($6,400.00 against $2500 told them by the so called agent) per student per year. Feeding per year will be around $2650 [The fee situation in China for most of the universities have been outlined above for your perusal]

They tried calling the agent to inform him of the changes and requested that he came to the school to see the authorities to rectify the situation but he refused. The school authorities also indicated that they do not know the ‘so called’ agent.

These students are not the only students that have been deceived to come to China to be stranded, last two years two Ghanaian students were also deceived by some agents on similar lines, when they got to China and got to know the situation on the ground they had no option than to take a loan to fly back to Ghana. We will be glad if ‘would- be- medical’ students are educated about life in China through a communiqué by NUGS and that they need to be wary of the deception of some false agents operating in Ghana.

There are some students studying in China who are on only the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC). If one compares their award letters with the award letters of their colleagues enjoying the same type of Scholarships from other countries it contains the same details, now for those from other countries besides Ghana when they complete their courses in China they are given Air tickets to fly back to their countries by the CSC, but the same cannot be said about their Ghanaian counterparts, there seems to be an ‘oversight’ 

This ‘oversight’ on the part of Chinese Scholarship council has sent panic down the spines of the affected students, some of whom will graduate in June 2010.They just cannot concentrate on their studies for they do not know how they are going to fly back home after graduation.

We are by this article asking you to use your good offices to get to the bottom of this matter by discussing this issue with the appropriate bodies to get their side on this issue so that this ‘oversight’ will be corrected

There are other challenges that we would implore the government to take a critical look at, they are outlined below;

Language Barrier-

English Programs- Most Chinese Lecturers are not able to express themselves well leading to poor understanding of the facts

Chinese Programs-Most students do not understand anything in Class. All they do is self studying the same stuff in English. Exams are conducted in Chinese and most often students cannot even read the questions let alone answer them. This leads to massive failure

Non- Government Sponsored Students

Financial Challenges- They does have a lot of financial challenges and they need the support of the Ghana government. When they complete their programs, there is no doubt that they will go and serve mother Ghana

Shipment allowance- On completion of their program they face challenges in shipping their personal belongings home, when they get support from their parents to do so, they face another challenge of clearing their goods from the ports.

Non- recognition of the non -scholarship students by the Embassy.

Some times when the non-scholarship students call the embassy for assistances the reception accorded them is not the best of receptions.

Sponsorship of NUGS China Congress

Currently only the scholarship secretariat supports the NUGS-China congress and the amount they give in support is not enough, this amount is able to support only the scholarship students. But it should be noted that NUGS–China is not for only scholarship students. We call upon the government to increase the support they give to the organization of the congress, since the congress encourages the spirit of togetherness and promote the means by which we get to know each other and be there for one another.

Medical Expenses

The medical fees here are expensive especially for the non- government sponsored students, since most of the students here are contributors towards the NHIS; we ask that the system be extended to reach all students in China. 

Selection of Universities in China by would -be-Students

Some universities in China do not offer the programs they profess to run; others treat students as if they are in the JSS, if students are made to choose their own institutions with the help of the appropriate bodies this problem could be solved.

Importation of Ghanaian Food to China

Students are limited to the type and kind of food they eat here; this affects them psychologically and has a negative effect on their studies. We are calling on the government to facilitate the exportation of certain common food items like Yam, plantain, fufu and banku powder, corned beef , koobi, dried fish just to mention but a few.

Transfer of Money from Ghana to China through Western Union 

It is not possible to get money in China through the Western Union agents in Ghana, on the other hand people in Ghana can receive money from China through the Western Union, we think that in this world of technology this one way transfer of money should be looked at, aside the western unions the other means of getting money here in China are very expensive, moreover, it takes several days to arrive

We are very grateful to NUGS for the concerns they have for students in and outside Ghana.

LONG LIVE MOTHER GHANA, LONG LIVE CHINA, LONG LIVE NUGS

By Anthony Joe .Turkson (President)

The Greater Accra Regional Students’ Representative Council (GARSRC) was established in the year 1985 purposefully to act as an official mouthpiece for the interests of students in Second Cycle Institutions in the Region and Ghana for that matter. 

To the surprise of everyone the rationale behind the establishment of this Council from one administration to the other keeps on altering at an alarming rate. The Council that used to be formidable and vibrant has now become miraculously dormant and flaccid in its strides to emancipate students from academic and social prejudice. Some time in August at Congress (highest decision making body) would mark the Silver Jubilee of the aforementioned organization, but the question I ask myself as a concerned member of the Council is have we lived up to expectation for the past decades? 

The sudden change of our educational system from three years to four years now three years should have caused lots of clamor and agitation from the GARSRC but rather chose to remain silent for political stakeholders to dwindle the educational system leaving most Senior High School Students in a state of befuddlement. Currently, form three students who should have been in their final year are still not certain on the date for their WASSCE examination. There are countless problems plaguing member institutions that form the Council, but efforts to resolve this problem militating against students’ development have proven futile. Chuck Yeager said “You don’t concentrate on risk. You concentrate on results. No risk is too great to prevent the necessary job from getting done” Why then should the leaders of the Council resort to only dialogue when it is yielding no result? Surprisingly, the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) of which GARSRC purports to affiliate can boldly say it is a pressure group contributing its quota to national development. On the contrary, the Council (GARSRC) cannot pinpoint that it is a pressure group because it has failed to act as one. The current rift between Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) continues to persist and will forever remain so long as the Council chooses to be in retirement. It is crystal clear that the twenty-five years of mother GARSRC can be equated to the first three months of NUGS existence believe me or not. Where are the proud founders and the so called honourables of the Council? The Council for once has proven to be a mediocre organization wallowing in darkness only waiting for the next move to collapse. 

I want to use this medium to sound a clarion call to present and past members of the Council like the Deputy Minister of Information, Mr. Okudzeto Ablakwa, the current Communications Minister, Haruna Iddrisu and all well wishers of student unions to unite and come to the rescue of the Greater Accra Regional Students’ Representative Council before it finally falls flat! 

Michael Nana Bamfo.SRC Vice-President St. Margaret Mary Senior High.

NUGS CONDEMNS UNIVERSITY OF GHANA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE’S DECEISSION TO CONVERT COMMONWEALTH HALL TO A MIXED GENDER GRADUATE HALL

11th May 2010

The arrival at the decision to convert the Commonwealth Hall of the University of Ghana into a mixed gender Graduate Hall even though the outcome of the supposed investigation into the alleged heckling of the former United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan and other dignitaries when they attended this year’s congregation as punishment for the alleged heckling by the University authorities is in itself premature and a self distractive antidote to the peaceful environment both parties (students and University Authorities) seek to build.

The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) though not in support of violence and indiscipline of any shape or magnitude, we believe that the University Authorities should reconsider their decision.

We believe that such decisions should be taken with some degree of circumspection with the view of dealing with the root-cause of the issue and not the symptoms. 

One wonders what the fate of the over 4,000 students will be like! When policies are made without due diligence and exhaustive consultations it is implicative to reason that the basic rights of the people are denied them.

Long live the Commonwealth HALL!

Long live the National Union of Ghana Students!

“ALUTA CONTINUA, VICTORIA ASCERTA”!

NUGS CONDEMNS VIOLENCE AMONGST YOUTH AND CAUTIONS GOVERNMENT

11th May 2010

The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has observed with very keen interest the recent spate of violence and lawlessness exhibited by some youth purported to be the NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS (NDC) youth and its consequent implications for the peace of our dear country.

Very pertinent to us is the disturbing news of:

1.Seizure of government properties especially office keys seizures

2.Threat of life and property of government appointees

3.Some youth marching to court to support the cause of a political party

4.Libelous and unguided statements on media networks all over the country especially the case of NANA DARKWA

5.Hijacking of journalists

6.Car seizures and hijacking by some reckless youth

7.The growing level of insecurity and violence in the Northern parts of the country e.g. BAWKU, GUSHIEGU, CHEREPONI, BUNPURUGHU, ASHAIMAN etc.

The National Union of Ghana Students would want to state that, we are not enthused in anyway as to the gravity of violence mounting amongst the youth. We are therefore calling on the youth regardless of political, tribal and religious inclinations to exercise restraint and demonstrate civility in their quest to register their displeasure.

We also call on the Office of the President, the Ministry of Interior, National Commission for Civic Education, the Police Administration, the National Youth Council and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to show more commitment to issues affecting the youth.

Government should do more with respect to security for government institutions, clear and very pragmatic plans of job creation.

We also want to call on all Political parties seeking Political power to make Political promises with some level of circumspection and moderation, this we believe will though not in entity lessen the wild expectations of the youth.

NUGS will in entity support any move by government to stamp its authority in such matters and to bring to book such reckless and irate youth.

Should government renege on its core responsibility in securing the peace of this country, we the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) will hold them accountable!

Long live Mother Ghana!

Long live the NATIONAL UINON OF GHANA STUDENTS!

WONDER MADILO

NUGS ISSUES ULTIMATUM TO THE STUDENTS LOAN TRUST FUND.

7th May 2010

We bring to your notice, once more the delay in the loans. We have time and again requested your office to explain to us the reasons for the delay.

Schools have reopened for more than a month now and as off now, loans though skimpy have not come in now. 

This we find to be a blatant disregard and insensitivity to the plight of the poor Ghanaian student whose only source of hope is the loan.

All reasons given do not any way portray the reality on the ground. Our checks at the various sectors relevant to your outfit have proven that you have no reason whatsoever for the delay.

We members of the National Union of Ghana Students want to indicate to your outfit that, you have up to Friday 26, 2010 to make real your obligation to the students of Ghana.

We will advise ourselves should your outfit fail to deliver the reasons for which you were appointed to serve the interest of the Ghanaian student.

Thank you

The Ghana Union of Professional Students (GUPS) is the umbrella student bloc under the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) representing professional tertiary institutions in Ghana and remains as one of the dominant forces of student activism in the country.

Like every organization, GUPS has metamorphosed from a small group of professional tertiary institutions in Ghana to a national student movement that advances the course of professional education and serves as a strategic stakeholder in educational issues in Ghana.

GUPS begun as an association of selected professional tertiary institutions in the early 1990s under the name Specialised Professional Institutions (SPIs) with membership comprising the Institute of Professional Studies - Legon (IPS), Institute of Management Studies (IMS) - now christened University College of Management Studies (UCOMS), Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), Ghana Institute of Languages (GIL), and the National FIlm and Television Institute (NAFTI). 

In these formative years, the Institute of Professional Studies - Legon, graciously resourced and hosted the Secretariat of the SPIs for well over four (4) years.

The determination and resolve of the founding Institutions and taking cognisance of the saying that "in numbers like strength", the members embarked on a serious membership drive that resulted in bringing into the fold of the union several members. 

The fruits of their efforts brought into the fold institutions such as Jayee Institute (now Jayee University College), Institute of Business Management and Journalism, Kumasi (IBM&J), School of Social Work, Ghana School of Survey and Mapping, to name but a few. 

In 2001, the association was re-named the Ghana Union of Professional Students (GUPS)and has since then successfully held five (5)annual congresses to elect new leaders and conduct other important business.

Currently, the Ghana Union of professional Student (GUPS) has over twenty (20) professional Institutions across the country and its membership reflects diverse fields of study including Accountancy and Business Administration, Journalism and Communication Studies, Television and Film Education, Languages, Social Work and Geological Studies, Jewelery, Fashion Design and Beautician Training, among others. 

Its permanent Secretariat, acquired through the hard work of its leadership, is located in the capital city of Ghana - Accra (PWD Building adjacent the Independence Square, near Osu Castle).

Holding Government Accountable 

Fellow students, year 2010 has been dedicated to the youth of mother Ghana,, let us see how we can take on the leadership of the country such that what they promise the students and youth of Ghana will be a living reality. Below is an except of the State of the Nation Address 2010, delivered by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana

EDUCATION

Madam Speaker, 

Some of the Programmes in the education sector announced by the Minister of Finance in his 2010 budget have already begun to be implemented.

The distribution of free school uniforms in the public sector Basic Schools began last year in the Central Region and we expect to cover the whole country by the end of this year.

A number of other programmes will begin this year. These include the provision of free education for disabled children; the refurbishing of science resource centres; the provision of infrastructural facilities in Senior High Schools, the removal of Schools under Trees and the elimination of the school shift system.

Let me also mention that in view of reports I have received, I have ordered an investigation into the utilization practices of the GETFund in the past.

I have also directed a review of the GETFund Act so that we can achieve our Manifesto promise of decentralising the operations of the Board and broadening the involvement of local institutions.

Madam Speaker,

I have said enough about the conditions of service of Teachers in the past! 

At the end of this year, I expect the GNAT, NAGRAT and the UTAG to make separate pronouncements on whether the lot of teachers has improved under our administration or not. 

So for the moment, I will say no more on the subject! 

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Madam Speaker,

Inculcating in our youth the spirit of nationalism, self-belief and belonging, will be paramount in the Better Ghana agenda. 

We will give more meaning to arts and culture as a potent educational tool to drive the programme of nation building. The Education and Culture Ministries are being mandated to collaborate in this regard

My Student Life with Meaning and Direction 

Many a time I wonder if our student life had meaning and direction

My story is about a young man Kofi Ghana who lived in a village called Masεmnie.

Kofi was young and energetic growing as a young man with parents who were peasant farmers. He would always follow maame and paapa to the farm in the morning but since the information service department visited the village and made it clear that Basic Education is Compulsory and that Government will feed, Cloth, and provide books for Kofi, father could not complain but to let him go.

First Month: Kofi came home excited and told maame of his experience at school. It sound enjoying and when maame went to watch TV at Opanin Nimo’s house that evening, she met untie Yaa who upon hearing Kofi’s story decided to take her son Yaw Bεrima to school. Gradually, the enrollment increased and school became a nice dream every day

Second Month: Kofi returns from school crying of hunger and father is surprised government food is so small for Kofi. Apparently, the supply of food has not increased and consumers have increased. The food kept growing lean and now Kofi wish he were in the farm.

Third Month: Teacher Kwaku announced that this week we shall work in the school farm. Kofi expected at least class hours to end but unfortunately, everyone is called at the Assembly Grounds in the morning and it is time to weed and prepare the school garden. Life at school is gradually becoming boring. 

After weeding the farm, Kofi had to join all the other students to travel to a far village to fetch bamboo to fence the school garden which we did because it is the school doing it for students; and the next day, he had to send a bunch of firewood so that his teachers could get a source of fuel for cooking.

Fourth Month: it became unbearable when Kofi and his class mates had to walk 10 miles to the teachers’ house to fetch water for the teacher from Monday to Wednesday and then Thursday and Friday, they go to their farms to weed. However, they do not complain because the comfort of their Teacher is theirs they know.

What worried him most in the midst of all these is when a cocoyam farmer presented GHȼ10 to the headmaster and that could move all pupils to the man’s farm as if we were laborers and none of this money did even come to our pockets.

In the midst of all these, education is a right and not a privilege. This is a stressful right. Such is the situation in most of our villages in the country; though the rate has reduced, it is still necessary to se to its eradication. Those of us who schooled at some of the rural areas in the country do know this, and it is necessary to help make conditions better than it is.

God bless the Ghanaian student!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Section Summary.

This part of the book contains the means which is to halp sddress the challenges of the Union in particular and Ghanaian students at large. 

A careful consideration has been taken of three areas constructively. The first one is on how to support the SRC and Local NUGS programmes with raising sponsorships as a Union for our institutions. There is a serious need to help in raising sponsorships for the good activities of students. For instance, the Ghana Assoiation of Agric Students (GAAS) organizes extension services for our farming communities but this is not without financial challenges and this is what makes it so important for the Union to use its network of connections to generate some form of support for the Union.

Secondly, we stress on the need to generate some funds to support our Union. If the Union is financially sound, then there will not be a need to charge so much as capitation for congress and always resort to the corporate Ghana for funding when we can go corporate ourselves to generate some money. A great interest is taken of ‘’sow your shirt’’ and the NUGS online library known as the “Ideas Bank”. Others are as enshrined in our strategic plan and so there is no need to reinvent the wheel.

Finally, as a brilliant but needy student, I take special interest in how we make education a right and not a privilege such that, those at the prisons, the orphanages, and the non formal education shall all enjoy the pride in education. Let me show my biases by saying that, I do have a special interest in how we help and support the people who have no one to cry to, no mother to visit them, and no father to correct them. Imagine if you grew up in the boarding house and never went home till you turn 22 years old. Remember that house master or mistress. Such has been a colleague’s faith from infancy. The pain, trauma, and seasonal nature of their joy. That is why a special interest is taken in how we will make education a right and not a privilege to our brothers and sisters in the orphanages. 

Let us keep these in mind and ensure that we take it upon ourselves a duty to support the brilliant but needy students.

SOUL FOOD

It is very difficult to make a name. But it is so easy to unmake it; for where your spoilt name may go, its repair may never reach. Like everyone and dislike evil, not your brother or sister. Laugh to all those who dislike you, by so doing, you give them a cause to like you.

It is not easy for someone to like you, but position yourself in such a way that you can be liked; the rest is in the heart of others. Hatred is as verilous as venom, for the one you think fowl of May like you in his heart.

Never look down upon yourself as inferior to anybody- but don’t also think you are better that everyone for no one has monopoly over wisdom. For “the fox have many tricks, the hedge dog has but one, but that is the best of all” (Desiderius Erasmus, 1536).

The aim of education is not to make professors but to make people who will make society a comfortable abode. Therefore, don’t leave the fore walls of academia as an academic giant and a social misfit- but leave here as one useful enough to make the planet a visible heaven.

If you made mistakes in the past, don’t be crippled by them; for it is not your good alone that makes you a hero but how you rise when you are shattered. 

Live not as though there were a thousand years ahead of you, “fate is at your elbow; make yourself good while life and power are still yours. (Marcus Aurelius)

The NUGS Therapy for Success

1.Ensuring a Financially viable and independent Union

2.Enhancing a Politically independent Union

3.The NUGS communication Network

4.Ensuring the Unity of the Union

5.The NUGS Ideas Bank

6.Accountability and openness with a touch of professionalism

7.The NUGS Guest House

8.Special Identification for all Local NUGS Presidents

9.The NUGS Local Tour

10.The NUGS office Administrator

11.Council of Elders

12.NUGS meet your World

13.NUGS Outreach Policy

14.NUGS One - Rep – Policy

Wise Original Orchill

Organized Realistic Believes

Manager Careful Africa

Achiever Humble Must 

Nifty Industrious Advance

Leader

Lovely

1.Ensuring a Financially Viable and independent Union

NUGS should have a couple of investments, where the youth, students of mother Ghana are invested into, to enhance the entrepreneurial Ghana we are waiting to see.

In doing this, below are some of the things we shall put in place

a.The Organisation of Lectures ones in while for Ghanaians

b.Ensure the Establishment of the NUGS sows your shirt which is to be established in all 10 Regions of Ghana with a core aim of sowing school uniforms for the Senior High Schools in Ghana. Currently, there are 506 senior High schools in Ghana therefore, our venture is very viable.

In doing this, our portion is to provide a shop and labour.

LABOUR: we shall rely on students from Polytechnic and other Educational Institutions who study sowing to man the Regional secretariats and sow quality as we provide other staff expecially youth to curb the bane of unemployment in Ghana.

We shall also solicit support for the provisionof some sewing machines from the NFED (Non Formal Education) to be used in our “sow your Shirt” warehouses. In return, we shall give them the opportunity to deploy some of their students to our shops.

We shall also seek some support from governmemt and non governmental agencies to make this venture a viable one.

In order to get land, we shall negociate with the Chiefs to offer some lands and in return, we offer the townspeople employment. Here, the size of the land will determine the number of people to employ. For instance, 2 acres of land will mean employing 10 vibrant youth and so on.

Fear not for this. Because, certainly, there will be students who qualify and are willing to work with us.

Annually, we shall also receive some assistance from government by posting Natioanal Service Personnel and this we shall do in collaboration with the National Service Secretariat.

c.From our “ sow your Shirt” we shall have a fashion shopping center where students and other people will comfortably walk inn to buy modern fashion clothes specifically designed for the Ghanaian student.

As we do that, we shall expand by sending consignment for our Ghanaian students abroad like NUGS – Russia.

d.NUGS shall also collaborate with a number of travel and tour agencies, or establish our own, manned by the International Relations Officer to organize vacation tour within and outside Ghana for Ghanaian students and other students who shall joy to join from the world at large.

e.All these shall be manned by competent Ghanaian youth and this will be in our quest to eradicate youth unemployment in Ghana.

2.Ensuring a Politically Independent NUGS

It is an unequivocal fact, and enshrined in Chapter 1 Article 4(a) that “NUGS is a democratic, non-partisan, independent and progressive mass movement of students in Ghana and Ghanaian Students abroad”.

For this reason, it is very important for us to make sure, that this reason for which the Union was formed is not left abate.

P. Ebow Bondzi Simpson, in his book Company Law in Ghana, mentioned in chapter 14, that “he, who pays the piper, calls the tune!” it is therefore very important for us to be as independent as possible from the powers that be.

In achieving this, students should be guarded to understantd that, the reason behind the establishment of NUGS, is far away form the political party affiliations and therefore should be able to draw a curtain between the discharge of party duties from the service to the Union.

My office shall therefore ensure that, we tighten up vetting requirements, and provide some financial assistance to aspirants for them to be able to run a fair campaign. When this is done, then we have paid the piper, and therefore will call the tune.

My office shall also enter into contractual arrangements with some printing companies and if possible, print posters for all qualified aspirants. 

3.The NUGS Communication Network

It is rather sad, that we do not have any formal recognized equipment to facilitate smooth communication with all our institutions and BLOCKS for easy communication.

We are currently in talks with some telecommunication companies to provide all Local NUGS presidents, Block Executives, and National Officers with a special phone coded for our communication only, so that, the Union and all its periphery, can communicate with ease 24 hours a day. In addition, a modem each as and when dues are paid so that, reading mails will not come with an additional transportation cost such as from Nyankpala to Tamale to download one letter.

When this is done, we shall be more proactive to one another and this will make it easy for the “One for All, All for NUGS” slogan to be achieved.

The time to be connected to the NUGS grid is now. Such that at every point in time, we shall be able to share our challenges, consult so many colleagues, communicate frequently with the intelligence team and collectively ensure that we are our brother’s keeper.

This shall not be at the payment of no special cost by the BLOCKS or Local Secretariats as well as committee members and managers of our various ventures as well as the Officers who serve National Boards in the name of the Union.

But if you are a dues paying institution, then you pay your dues before you pick your own.

This system, shall also give the opportunity for us to communicate with our counterparts abroad and all other offices, institutions and agents of the Union in Ghana.

4.Ensuring the Unity of the Union

The Union currently has some parts of it not in the Union and someothers not very much in the Union. This is something that we shall ensure, that, all our brethren come back.

In doing these:

a.We shall contribute our quota to strengthening the Regional SRC

b.Welcome GNUPS back to the Union

c.See to a well represented TTAG in the Union

d.Work hard in bringing the NTC (Nursing Training Colleges) to join the Union.

To me and the think thanks that I draw my inspiration from, most of whom are students, the Unity of the Union is meaningless. Unless it leads to the Total Unity of all the Gallant institutions where students study.

5.THE NUGS IDEAS BANK AND INTELLIGENCE UNIT.

NUGS, as strong a body as we are, does not have to our credit a database or a befitting knowledge base to serve the world.

What I am poised to enhance is a research team for the Union. Who shall carry out researches for and on behalf of the Union.

Such research if we are fortunate may even generate some funds to support the running of the Union.

The time has come for the Union to assist SRC’s such that, when the SRC or Local NUGS draw programmes, the Union can in its small way organize sponsorships with our intelligence Unit who shall update the Union and its structures of who to call and where to go. These shall be a way through which our institutions can benefit directly from the Union and stop agitations that “We spend so much on NUGS, GUPS, USAG and so on and yet we don’t see the benefits there of. 

Institutions are looking for events and programmes to sponsor and when we put ourselves together and put our safeguards right, financial problems with regards to event organizations such as SRC week celebration and institutional Tree planting exercises can be well catered for.

In achieveing this, we shall translate the quantity of students we have to quality by selecting through a creful scrutiny, a number of competent students to Mann this duty.

We shall also work in collaboration with the many lecturers who are into resaeerch both National and International and this will even widen the intelligence of our students, and this means, training people for the BNI and other security agencies.

We shall also operate an online library of ideas which non members of NUGS will have to be registered to access in oorder to have access to some of the intelligent materials that shall be there.

We can also negociate with VC Ghana to give us a right to publish at our online Library, the several researches that our own brothers and sisters have done. So that, wherever you are, you can have accesss to your brother’s perspective on issues.

In addition to that, the Teamwork focused administration will not condone with anyone to issue statements without a go ahead from the research team. In order to speak the mind of Ghanaian students and not our own, we shall not do such without the advice from the Research Team who will in turn, use our communication network to find the views of our Institutional Reps so that, we shall be able to always do our things collectively and not individually.

When there are international competitions on researches and publications, all we shall do will be to go through our knowledge base, and select who has done something about it. Forward it in your name, and notify you so that, you can always be sure to win something with your work no matter how long. This I know will ginger students to carry out intelligent researches.

In addition, we shall create a page on our website, where institutions worldwide in need of staff for short and long term projects shall notify the Union upon which we shall immediately notify our reps and publish it online too so that, qualified students are given the opportunity to explore international job opportunities.

6.Accountability and openness with a touch of professionalism

Over the years, one thing I have realized is that, all our Financial Contollers and our Treasures assume office and use their own discretion to prepare accounts and manage the finances of the Union.

It is not bad though for such is why they are elected. What I bring to the Board is that

TRAINING

NUGS shall have to be associated with a professional accountancy firm which will offer the Union with orientation for the;

a.Treasurer

b.Financial Controller

c.Finance Committee Members

d.Audit Committee Members.

e.Audit and Finance Committee members of All Blocks

This will ensure that, we always prepare our accounts with consistency

AUDITING

The Union should have external auditors to audit our accounts annually. This will improve upon our credibility in the corporate world when the corporate world knows that, we do have adequate mechanisms in place to check corruption and embezzlement.

LAW

The Union also need a chamber, where our Chief Justice and Members of the Judicial Committee will be taken through a series of training and also, such a chamber, shall advice the Union on legal matters as and when they arise.

For instance, if the National Service Secretariat says they recognize NUGS as a private entity and so will not give allowances to the National Service personnel serving the Union, we should be able to resort to diplomacy and the rule of law to fight against such things.

The demonstration strategies of yesteryears will not help us much. Because, time has become too expensive these days.

7.The NUGS Guest House

During our tenure of service, we shall see to a policy for the commencement of the building of at least a guest house in every region in the country.

Method

a.We shall consult chiefs within the selected places in the region to offer some land for such a purpose.

b.We shall prior to the acquisition of land enter into agreement with GETFUND, and other Private estate developers to develop facilities to suit the purpose for which it shall serve.

c.We shall have to pay for the facilities with proceeds from their usage until the property finally becomes ours say within a period of 10 years.

d.The facilities shall be built to accommodate our Regional Sewing Departments if the need arise.

e.Chiefs will be motivated to give us the lands because the more they give, the more the people we shall employ from their paramount to work with us. For instance, an Acre of land is to 5 employees.

f.Scholarship facilities shall be made available to the students within the catchment area of the chiefs and such scholarships shall be given when the ventures are in good standing.

g.The people who shall lead in the working for land shall be Local NUGS Presidents or their appointees who are in areas where the availability of land is a possibility.

h.In order to achieve point (g) above, we shall empower the people who shall lead such negotiations in the name of the Union. 

i.The Union shall also express its gratitude if the Local NUGS Secretariat of SRC decides to offer some assistance to those who shall have such duties to perform.

8.SPECIAL identification for all Local NUGS presidents.

Like ID’s are designed for National Officers and Board members, we shall ensure that as and when institutions pay their dues, we issue special identification cards from the Union to the Local NUGS Presidents.

This bold step will empower local NUGS presidents such that, at one point or the other, when the need arise for them to meet and negotiate in the name of the Union, their legibility for doing so shall not be questioned.

CAUTION: Receivers of such Cards should be cautious not to use such opportunity to extort or do any thing that will mall the image of the Union or else….

Anyone who tries such shall be penalized accordingly.

9.The NUGS Domestic Tour

The promotion of tourism within our country is not in the best of shape. Therefore, in collaboration with the Transport ministry and the Tourism Ministry, we shall provide domestic tours throughout the country for

a.Ghanaians young and old

b.Foreigners who visit Ghana for tour

c.Foreigners who visit Ghana for student exchange programmes and this will help create employment and enhance tourism in Ghana.

Since this is a project to be handled by four concerned bodies, a committee shall be set to see to how best we can get the gold out of the Venture.

10.The NUGS Administrator

A major problem facing the Union is how records are handed over from one Administration to the other. It is therefore very necessary for the Union to have and maintain until CC or Congress sees it fit to change an administrator who shall be from either the Education Ministry or the Ghana Education Service.

Not disregarding the duties of our administrator, ie. The Coordinating Secretary, the unbiased Administrator will assist the coordinating Sec. in Administering the Union and will be in a good position as it were from time to time to advice the Union on how and why some decisions were taken by previous administrators and that will ensure consistency for our Union such that, a new set of leadership does not amount to the Rebirth of the Union.

11.The Council of Elders

The Council of elders shall be made up of outgone Presidents of the Union, some selected selfless National officers of the Union, other societal role models in the country. And they shall be consulted usually especially when the need arise to come up with a NUGS stand on some specific National issues.

Press releases shall be prepared by our research Team, and then if possible, forwarded to the council of elders to see the merits of it before such releases are made. This will ensure that we always speak the minds of Ghanaian students and not the mind of the NUGS President or his/her cohorts.

12.NUGS Meet your World.

Meet your world is to ensure a direct touch with our Institutions such that, everyone will play a role in the Union. With meet your world, the local secretariet shall organize an open forum on their campus, then National executive and other block executives with respect to which block the institution belongs shall be available for students to get at firsthand what we are doing for them and how we are utilizing their dues.

We shall also talk to companies so as to organize aptitude test alongside so that students eligible for employment can have something to do through that.

We shall also include other medical examinations for the benefit of Ghanaian students. Meet your world will certainly bring us to the doorstep of our constituents such that, students will not ask of what NUGS is when they hear it mentioned in their various schools- because it is embarrassing when students continually complain of not knowing the Union

13.NUGS Outreach Policy.

Beloved, education is a right and not a privilege but have we considered our little and young ones in orphanages in the country who have no one to cater for them?

This policy is to ensure that NUGS through TTAG (Teacher Trainee Association Ghana) and other students in the country; we shall dispatch regularly students to orphanages, and villages like Nzulenzu and other remout areas of the country to contribute our quota to helping build a Ghana where education shall actually be a right.

14.The NUGS One-Rep-Policy

The one-Rep-Policy is to ensure that, in addition to our inteligencia, one person from the Union is assigned to one corporate organization such that, all our dealings with that organization will be spearheaded by that individual. This will enhance our sponsorship base, increase the expertise of our reps and make it easier for our reps to get jobs in the entities which they have been assigned to.

Programmes which need to be continued

The Jaw-Jaw Debate

The NUGS awards

The Prisons Fund

Leadership Seminars at GIMPA

Mechanisms to achieve our Strategic Plans

1.The Setting of the Strategic Plan Implementation oversight Committee who’s Chair shall present to CC and Congress, the steps we are putting in place to achieve the plans.

2.Liberalization of the Union to the Grass Root

3.Ensure Team Work among the executive

4.Ensure Effective Dissemination of information

5.Enhance Accountability and avoid corruption

6.Building mechanisms to resist Political Infiltration

7.Avoidance of monetization in the Unions elections 

8.Building on our Capacity for Analysis and Research

9.Insist on a touch of Professionalism

10.Ensuring effective Coordination Among Sister Bodies 

11.Make a conscious effort to develop mutual trust

12.Encourage Loyalty to the Union

13.Use due diligence in screening, vetting, and voting

14.Lobby for a statutory allocation of a percentage of the budget on education to be given to NUGS

15.Undertake money making ventures to generate funds 

a.Research works

b.Farming

c.Transportation and tour

d.Hostels

e.Organize leadership seminars at a fee

16.Ensure Mutual Respect

17.Motivate Local Executives and National Officers as well

18.Help local SRC’s in drafting proposals and in seeking sponsorship for projects and programmes.

19.Play an active Part in the Ghana Youth Parliament

20.Research into how to combine academic work with student leadership 

21.Media Friendly NUGS

22.Work hand -in-hand with NAFTI and our theatre art students and other schools to shoot some campus base movies which we shall market as a Union

23.Do a lot of social services and advocacy for Social recognition

24.Strengthen Partnerships locally and Internationally

25.Objective in constructive criticism to National issues

26. Update website frequently

27.Proper Documentation and Database

28.A local NUGS President shall be on duty each week to support the National Executive and ensure adequate transparency

29.A day for each presidential Aspirant to lead the Union and act as President

30.A special Committee to handle the SRC Local NUGS dilemma