Commonwealth Hall continues to produce prominent leaders – Dr. Apaak

Deputy Minister for Education and Member of Parliament, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has described Commonwealth Hall of the University of Ghana as a cradle of leadership. He said the hall continues to produce prominent personalities who are making significant contributions to Ghana’s development across diverse fields.

Dr. Apaak made the remarks when he represented Old Vandals serving in the Executive and the Legislature at the 2026 Old Vandals Jamboree, held at Bacchus Gardens in Commonwealth Hall on Saturday, August 1.

“The Vandal City (Commonwealth Hall) continues to produce prominent individuals and leaders: Traditional leaders, politicians and political leaders, justices, judges and lawyers, vice chancellors, top academics and researchers, captains of industry and business moguls, heads of security agencies and outstanding security personnel, renowned media practitioners, personalities, playwrights and entertainers, and world-class athletes, amongst many other categories of professionals,” he stated.

According to Dr. Apaak, the fraternity’s long-standing reputation has been built on resilience, unity, service and its commitment to justice.

“Indeed, our record as the most dominant and prominent, the most structured and best organised, the most embracing and caring, the most resilient and enduring, the most progressive and generous fraternity is well established and documented,” he said.

He added that the values of the Vandal fraternity continue to define its members.

“We believe in freedom, equity and justice. We champion the voice of the voiceless. We are VANDALS: Vivacious, Affable, Neighbourly, Dedicated, Altruistic and Loyal. And our motto is ‘Truth Stands’,” he said.

Dr. Apaak also reflected on the progress made in restoring normalcy at Commonwealth Hall following the impasse between the hall and the University of Ghana, noting that the 2026 Jamboree was the first to be held at Commonwealth Hall in five years.

“This year’s Jamboree was special because this was the first time we celebrated our annual Jamboree in the Vandal City after five years of holding it off base due to the now resolved impasse,” he said.

He disclosed that the Global Head Office of the Old Vandals Association (OVA), which had been closed during the impasse, has now been reopened.

“An equally significant positive development is the reopening of the Global Head Office of the Old Vandals Association, which was closed due to the impasse,” he noted.

Dr. Apaak further revealed that the ban imposed on seven Commonwealth Hall students following the impasse had been lifted.

“Also worthy of mention is the lifting of the ban on our seven boys who were unjustly rusticated in the wake of the impasse. Six of them are back pursuing their academic work at UG. Unfortunately, we lost the seventh,” he said.

While acknowledging the progress made, the Deputy Minister urged current residents of Commonwealth Hall to protect the peace that has been restored.

“I thanked the University of Ghana management and called on current Vandals to be measured and circumspect as we work to consolidate the current peace. Nothing should disturb the peace,” he stressed.

He noted that maintaining the cordial relationship between the hall and the University of Ghana would be crucial as preparations begin for the celebration of Commonwealth Hall’s 70th anniversary in 2027.

“It’s in the interest of our fraternity and in the interest of the University of Ghana to maintain this positive relationship as we work and plan towards the celebration of the 70th Anniversary of Commonwealth Hall next year,” he said.

Dr. Apaak commended the collective efforts of Old Vandals in the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, the OVA National Council of Elders, the National Executive, and regional and international chapters, including those in North America and the United Kingdom, for their roles in resolving the impasse and restoring normalcy.

“It took the efforts of many to get us to the progress reported above. The role of Old Vandals in the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary deserves commendation,” he said.

The Deputy Minister also expressed gratitude to the Old Vandals Association for honouring him for his years of service to the fraternity.

“Of all the awards I’ve won over the years, I cherish this award most,” Dr. Apaak said.