The annual Vandal Jamboree has returned to Commonwealth Hall for the first time in five years, marking what leaders of the Old Vandals Association (OVA) have described as a major milestone in restoring peace and strengthening ties between the fraternity and the University of Ghana.
Addressing the special 2026 Vandal Jamboree held at the Bacchus Gardens in Commonwealth Hall on August 1, Deputy Minister and Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, urged current residents of the hall to safeguard the renewed harmony that has paved the way for the fraternity’s return.
Representing Old Vandals serving in both the Executive and Parliament, Dr. Apaak thanked the University of Ghana management for its role in resolving the impasse that had forced the annual gathering away from Commonwealth Hall since 2021.
He appealed to current Vandals to remain measured and circumspect, stressing that maintaining peace would be crucial as preparations gather momentum for the 70th anniversary of Commonwealth Hall in 2027.
“This year’s Jamboree is special because it is the first time in five years that we have celebrated in the Vandal City after the resolution of the impasse,” he noted.
Dr. Apaak also highlighted the reopening of the Old Vandals Association’s Global Head Office, which had remained closed during the period of disagreement, describing it as another significant step towards restoring normalcy.
He further welcomed the lifting of sanctions imposed on seven students who were rusticated during the impasse, revealing that six have since resumed their studies at the University of Ghana, while expressing regret over the loss of the seventh.
Reflecting on the journey to reconciliation, Dr. Apaak commended the contributions of Old Vandals serving in the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, as well as the OVA National Council of Elders, National Executive, and regional and international chapters, particularly those in North America and the United Kingdom, for sustaining the fraternity through the difficult period.
He described Commonwealth Hall as one of Ghana’s foremost leadership incubators, producing distinguished personalities across politics, academia, the judiciary, business, security services, media, sports and the creative arts.
The Deputy Minister also expressed gratitude to the Old Vandals Association for honouring him with an award in recognition of his contributions to the fraternity, describing it as the most treasured among the many honours he has received over the years.
The return of the Jamboree to Commonwealth Hall is widely seen as a symbolic end to years of strained relations and a fresh chapter for one of the University of Ghana’s most influential student fraternities as it prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary next year.
Source: Bolgafmonline.com |102.7 MHz | Bolgatanga
