Let the spirit of your accolade manifest good in society-President Mahama charges old students of commonwealth Hall

President John Dramani Mahama has appealed to the Old Students Association of Commonwealth Hall of the University of Ghana, popularly called Old Vandals, to let the spirit of their accolade manifest good and in the well-being of the Ghanaian society.

President Mahama also charged Old Vandals to explain to the young ones in Commonwealth Hall the meaning of vandalism so to dispel its negative connotation. The President who is also an Old Vandal said that as a student he was timid but the Hall instilled boldness in him. He urged all Old Vandals to let the spirit of Commonwealth Hall reflect in their place of work.

Mr. Mahama who was among the first group of students at Commonwealth Hall to start the antecedent of the Vandals said he is more delighted that throughout his tour of the country, the popular accolade V-Mate keeps on popping up at most gatherings which encourages him to carry out his work as the commander-in-chief of the Ghana armed forces.

In a goodwill message delivered by a presidential staffer, Dr Clement Apaak, Mr. Mahama reiterated his commitment to lead Ghana to prosperity. Being a leader of Ghana is not a do or die affair, president Mahama stated at the induction of new executives of Old Vandals in Tamale on Saturday.

Old Vandals Northern Regional Branch Vice President, Mr Abii Jonas appealed to political parties in the region to conduct their campaign based on real important issues and devoid of any violence ahead of November 7 polls.

Mr. Jonas reminded political players in the region about the problems confronting the north, the more reason why they should not engage in acts that will retard development .
Old Vandals national president, Mr Isaac Nketia Sarpong said membership is a major challenge to the association and urged Old Vandals to avail themselves for the good cause of the association. Mr Sarpong entreated Old Vandals to speak not only on issues relevant to the association issues but also on issues of national importance.
Speaking on the theme ‘Conflict-free year: the role of Vandals,’ the  northern regional coordinating director, Alhaji Issahaku Alhassan, on behalf of the regional minister, Mr Abdallah Abubakari, emphasized the need for Old Vandals to advocate peaceful co-existence in the country before, during and after this year’s elections. He urged Old Vandals to lead the call for a peaceful election.

A veteran journalist and immediate past national president of old vandals, Alhaji Abdul Razak El-Lawal was honored with a citation and a red smock among other things by the Upper East regional Branch of the association for his selfless and dedication to the cause of Old Vandals.

Alhaji El-Lawal was grateful to the association for the honor and assured of his continue support so long as he lives. Alhaji El-Lawal also commended old vandals for inaugurating its northern regional branch. “I hold Tamale in high esteem because northern region made me flourish as a journalist in the 70s when I was the Daily Graphic regional editor,” the veteran journalist recounted.