Head of Programmes and Projects of the University of Ghana Commonwealth Hall Junior Common Room (JCR), Kengel Yeboah has called on authorities and the management body of the University of Ghana to keep the status quo of Commonwealth Hall as an all-male Hall.
The JCR Programmes and Projects Head of Commonwealth Hall has warned that any attempt to make the Hall co-ed (males and females) will be vehemently and fearlessly resisted.
Mr. Yeboah made the point during a discussion on the topic “Understanding the Vandal Culture”, on the GTV Breakfast Show, on Wednesday, November 16, 2022.
According to him, there have been attempts to turn Commonwealth Hall, the third established students’ Hall of the University of Ghana campus, and the first and only all-male residency into co-ed.
The JCR Programmes and Projects Head of the Commonwealth Hall hinted that some individuals or groups of people within the University community have tried on countless occasions to admit female students into the all-Male Hall.
He explained that those behind the idea of turning the all-Male Hall into a mixed facility are planning to admit female students into the Hall after the completion of a proposed Commonwealth Hall Annex project.
Mr. Yeboah like many residents of the Commonwealth Hall wants the only all-Male Hall to keep its status, after the construction of the Annex project.
Why is it that the Volta Hall which is an all-female after the completion of its annex block was not turned into an all-sex Hall, but some people are bent on turning Commonwealth Hall into an all-sex hall.
The construction of the Commonwealth Hall Annex project at the University of Ghana is set to commence following a groundbreaking ceremony performed by the Old Vandals Association, Alumni of the Commonwealth Hall of the University to mark the beginning of the project.
The project according to students marked a critical step in the University’s effort to expand student accommodation on campus, and add to its infrastructural stock.
The construction of the Commonwealth Annex project estimated to cost US $42m will involve the construction of a fully-furnished 4,660-bed capacity, comprising 302 one-bed block, 552 two-bed block, 3,806 four-bed block, 32 two-bedroom lecture flats, 8,000 capacity auditorium, and a shopping mall.
The project will also include the refurbishment of the lavatories and water system of the Main Hall. The development is expected to be ready by the commencement of the 2021-2022 academic year.
The Commonwealth Hall was officially opened in March 1957 under the Motto, “Truth Stands”. Commonwealth Hall prides itself as the first and only Male Hall at the University of Ghana, Legon.
According to the University’s website, the Hall was established at the beginning of the 1956-57 academic year. Ghana had just realized its independence and to help honor Ghana’s admittance into the Commonwealth of Nations, the University of Ghana’s third Residency Facility was named the Commonwealth Hall.
The Commonwealth Hall was officially opened in March 1957 under the motto, “Truth Stands” which was taken from an extract in a satire by John Donne stating “on a huge hill, cragged, and steep, Truth stands and he that will reach her, about must, and about must go”. Which the University and the Hall were a perfect expression of both the physical location of the Hall as it was positioned on a hillside, which further overlooks most parts of the university and beyond; the extract also helped outline the search for truth as the appropriate quest of university education. To further justify this extract, the Commonwealth Hall is the only Hall of residence at the University of Ghana with a theatre and an Amphitheatre for plays and lectures.
Students of the Commonwealth Hall also known as The Vandals are arguably the voice of the entire student body. The vandals pride themselves on leadership and unity, which is further engraved in the hall’s coat of arms, representing the strength and unity of purpose of members of the Hall, which mirrors the strong bonds between the members of Commonwealth Hall.
According to some former members of the Commonwealth Hall, V.A.N.D.A.L. is an acronym for Vivacious, Affable, Neighborly, Devoted/Dedicated, Altruistic, and Loyal. Which to them best describes the attributes of residents of the Commonwealth Hall?
‘Vandalism’ to them is a culture that encourages fairness, equality, freedom, and justice regardless of the tribe, religion, or various ideals which is why they are devoted to creating a sense of community and a voice for fairness and justice for the entire student population of the University of Ghana.
To the Vandals, even though the Hall was half-done at the time it was established, they saw through the span of its beautiful and striking architecture and the openness and freedom of movement and amenities and sought to maintain a sense of brotherhood to help further develop the Hall and the University as a whole.
