Ho, June 04, GNA – The Graduate Students Association Ghana (GRASAG) has elected new leaders to man its affairs for the next one year.
The elections, held at the 27th Annual National Delegates Conference of the Association, in Ho, was attended by key personalities in the academic and professional circles, as well as from the world of research.
Thomas Elorm Tagbotor was elected President with 379 votes, and Barbara Deladem emerged General Secretary.
Isaac Afful was elected Financial Controller, and Abiba Asoma, Gender Commissioner.
Ms Heartwill Selase Tamekloe, outgoing President of the Association, in a situational address, said a permanent national secretariat for the Association was secured during the year, in addition to the inauguration of the Baptist University branch of the Association.
She said efforts were being led in the area of research, towards among others, ensuring prompt and ample payment of research grants, which remained the lifeline to the essence of graduate students.
Ms Tamekloe added that her leadership had worked to deepen the relevance of the Association, enhancing the structures and seeking out new prospects for prolonged sustainability.
“Since our assumption of office as executive committee members of this noble student leadership front, my team and I have tried our best to consolidate our gains over the years, moving through all nooks and crannies in strengthening existing structures and charting new courses for coming generations to emulate, despite the challenges we have had to contend with, especially in the midst of this pandemic and its attendant ramifications,” she stated.
The outgoing President said the Association had been actively participating in the nation building and governance process, adding voices to deliberations on issues including industrial strikes and the infamous electronic transaction levy.
The three-day conference was held at the Cedi Auditorium of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS).
Professor Harry Tagbor, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University, who was guest speaker at the ceremony, called on graduate students to help address challenges associated with massification of education.
The Pro-Vice Chancellor said the situation could also be blamed for the unbending trend of graduate emigration and its effects on local economic growth, and therefore graduate students should find the commitment to help improve the system.
Prof. John Owusu Gyapong, who chaired the opening, charged the Association to help ensure originality in research works, noting their importance in nation building.
GNA