Commonwealth Hall at 70: Dr. Apaak rallies Vandals for celebrations, calls for active participation

Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Apaak has called on past and present members of Commonwealth Hall of the University of Ghana to actively participate in preparations for the hall’s 70th anniversary celebrations in 2027.

Dr. Apaak said the milestone would coincide with Ghana’s 70th independence anniversary, noting that both the country and the university hall share 1957 as their year of establishment.

In a Facebook post, he highlighted the significance of the coincidence, particularly the role of President John Dramani Mahama, a former resident of Commonwealth Hall, who is expected to preside over the anniversary celebrations of both Ghana and the hall.

“Next year, 2027, is the 70th Anniversary of Commonwealth Hall, aka Vandal City. Our great hall, which has produced notable personalities including H.E. John Dramani Mahama, shares the same birth year as our dear nation, Ghana,” he wrote.

“And by dint of destiny, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, a Vandal, is and will be the President to preside over the 70th Anniversary Celebrations of both Ghana and Vandal City.”

Dr. Apaak urged members of the Vandal fraternity to take an active interest in the anniversary preparations and celebrations.

“All Vandals must take note and must plan to participate actively in the anniversary preparations and celebrations of Ghana and Commonwealth Hall. Sons of Father Bacchus, stand up and be counted,” he added.

As part of preparations for the celebration, the Commonwealth Hall and Old Vandals Association has opened a call for entries for the design of the official 70th anniversary logo.

The competition invites participants to submit three initial concepts and one final logo in full colour, black and white, and a single-colour version. Entries are expected in PNG, vector or PDF formats.

The selected designer will be acknowledged during the main durbar. The deadline for submissions is December 5, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., with entries to be sent to the email address provided by the association on its announcement.

Commonwealth Hall, popularly known as Vandal City, was officially opened in March 1957. It was initially known as the Third Hall, and its name was adopted to commemorate Ghana’s admission into the Commonwealth of Nations following independence.

The hall is the University of Ghana’s only all-male hall of residence, and its members are known as Vandals. Its motto is “Truth Stands”.