Keynote Speech for the VANKAT Reunion: Forging Forward into the Future with Resilience and Purpose

Revered Chiefs, Chairman Andah, President Ato and his executive committee, President Kwaku Boateng and his executive Committee, the Planning Committee, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, Fellow Katangese, and my Vandal Mates.

It feels incredible to be here today, celebrating the enduring legacies of Commonwealth Hall of the University of Ghana and University Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

I see some of you have traded your aca-P, T-shirts, and Afro Moses for business suits and red bow ties. I guess we all had to grow up… eventually!

Let me start with a comment on yesterday’s Pawa Night. It truly brought back memories—what an enjoyable evening! I feel privileged to have witnessed it and to see that the spirit of our brotherhood remains as strong as ever. Katanga’s melody and lyrics were undeniably on point, capturing the essence of the competition with every note. But in the end, the Vandals proved too good, harmonizing victory with our unmatched flair and passion. I suggest we level the playing field by adding a Science and Math Quiz to give Rainbow and the Katangese team a chance of winning something.

As you are aware, Commonwealth Hall, affectionately known as the "VANDAL City," was established in 1956 and has since been a cornerstone of student activism and leadership. Our motto, "Truth Stands," is not merely a slogan but a guiding principle that has shaped the character and actions of its members over the decades. Vandal City is renowned for its vibrant culture, rigorous intellectual engagements, and a strong sense of community.

University Hall, affectionately known as Katanga Hall, was inaugurated in 1963 at the KNUST. The name "Katanga" was inspired by the Katanga province in the Republic of Congo, which was known for its resilience and determination during the early and unstable years of post-independence. Katanga Hall adopted the motto "Rest Not," symbolizing an unwavering commitment to purpose and an exceptional gallantry in determining your own destiny. Katangese, as you are called, have a tradition of excellence in academics, sports, and student activism.

Together, we are VANKATs – a vibrant amalgamation of the vivacious, affable, neighborly, devoted, altruistic, and loyal spirit of the Vandal City, and the relentless determination and purpose of Katanga.

Our theme today, "Forging forward into the future with resilience and purpose," perfectly encapsulates the essence of our journey and our aspirations.

Our two halls share a rich history of using student activism to advocate for change and defend students' rights.

Fellow Katangese and my V-mates, allow me to take you on a little trip down memory l lane.

Some of you may have heard of the October 1968 revolution at Legon. It was sparked by a so-called "obscene" cartoon in the Mensah Sarbah newspaper, the Siren, leading to the expulsion of the newspaper staff. Pre-existing student grievances turned this into a major issue over free speech. After a meeting at Vandal City, students openly protested, leading to a violent clash with the police, spearheaded by the "Vandal Militia" armed with rocks and tree branches. This “peaceful” confrontation resulted in the university being closed for a month.

Legon students relied on the Vandals for leadership, and they admit that without the Vandals, there would have been no confrontation. The university administration learned that traditions fostering unity, initiative, and identity are resilient and hard to break. Vandals have created a structure of ritual that instills pride and purpose into campus life.

At the Vandal City, we had this delightful tradition: every Wednesday, students were required to don their finest gowns for special dinners. These dinners were quite the affair, graced by dignitaries and all. Now, you can imagine the scene in 1972, when the ever-spirited Kojo Yankah and his band of merry Vandals decided they'd had enough of this colonial formality. So, what did they do? They set those gowns ablaze right in front of the dining hall while our special guests looked on in utter disbelief!

But, in true Vandal spirit, the dinner went on as planned, with everyone enjoying their meal amidst the flickering flames. The Hall Master, though undoubtedly shocked, must have appreciated the spectacle because, rather remarkably, he chose not to escalate the matter or recommend any punishment. And that, my friends, was the fiery end of the gown-wearing tradition at Commonwealth Hall!

As a Vandal, I am very familiar with our traditions and history. An essential part of our rich traditions is the presence of Father Bacchus. Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and festivities, symbolizes the vibrant and joyous spirit of the VANDALs. His role is prominent during Hall Week celebrations, where he presides over events and activities that reflect the hall's lively culture.

I am told that the Katangese also have their own Father Bacchus in the person of Sir John who embodies wisdom and guidance. He is, I’m told, the custodian of the hall's traditions and history, ensuring that the values and principles of Katanga are passed down through generations.

Baaba Bacchus and Sir John play crucial roles in maintaining the unique identities of our halls and fostering a sense of belonging among us. May they continue to guide and guard us in everything we do.

I had my first interaction with the Vandal City when I was still a "homo" in secondary school. My uncle, who was then a final-year Vandal, took me there, perhaps to motivate me to work harder in school.

However, what caught my attention was the lunch that was delivered to his room by a neatly dressed server – a plate full of rice and a bowl of groundnut soup filled with chicken meat. It was a Eureka moment for me --- Vandal City over Dutch Passport.

My only small disappointment when I was admitted to Legon and the Vandal City was that the food service that inspired me had been replaced by PAYE, charging, corner theory, koko sakora, and what Akosombo, our contemporary dining hall concierge, will say “food finish, kenkey Dey you like?”

When we first matriculated, we did so under a civilian regime, with hopes and dreams aligned with a stable government. However, by the beginning of our senior year, the tides had turned—our academic pursuits were interrupted, and we found ourselves conscripted to carry cocoa under a newly established military regime. But we did not stand idly by. Before we even had the chance to graduate, we took matters into our own hands, engineering a series of events that led to the shutdown of our universities as we boldly demanded an end to the military regime. This whirlwind of change not only marked our time but also solidified our resolve and forever shaped the course of our lives.

Katanga Hall, inspired by the resilience and gallantry of the Katanga province, has instilled in its members a steadfast commitment to purpose and determination.

Katanga, with its revered motto "Rest Not," has always been a beacon of integrity and courage.

I am also aware that any fight to defend student’s rights either on UST campus or nationwide, had also been planned, influenced or led from Katanga where Katangese

see themselves as the defender of the defenseless equating to the fearless valour of the Congolese people of Katanga.

We are Katanga, we rest not!
We are Fellows, and we never stop charging! We are Legends!

Together, as VANKATs, we have been at the forefront of student activism, advocating for change and defending the rights of students and the broader society. We have produced Presidents, Supreme Court Justices, IGPs, Doctors, Lawyers, Professors, Scientists, Businessmen, etc.

Our two Halls were instrumental in fighting the NRC/SMC and PNDC military governments, contributing significantly to the return of civilian rule in Ghana. These halls have always been at the forefront of challenging injustices and promoting democratic values.

As we reflect on our past, we must also look to the future with resilience and purpose.

To the extent that we take credit for the restoration of democracy, we must be equally committed to ensuring its success. The responsibility does not end with the achievement of democratic governance; it extends to safeguarding and nurturing the principles that underpin it—justice, transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.

To claim credit for restoring democracy is to acknowledge a duty to defend it against threats, to work tirelessly to make it responsive to the needs of the people, and to ensure that it delivers on its promises of freedom and equality. Our investment in democracy must be ongoing, with a focus on strengthening institutions, promoting civic

participation, and upholding the values that define a truly democratic society.

VANKATs cannot REST when the foundations of our democracy are undermined.

Political parties, originally intended as vehicles for representing diverse voices and

advancing the public good, have increasingly become conduits to easy wealth—wealth often siphoned from the state's coffers. This troubling trend undermines the very

foundation of democracy, erodes trust in the political system, disenfranchises citizens, and perpetuates a cycle of greed and inequality. We must challenge political parties to do better.

VANKATs cannot stand by when a president interferes with the work of constitutional officers such as the electoral commissioner or the auditor general. Such actions erode the rule of law and weaken our democratic institutions. We must never stop speaking out and demanding accountability.

VANKATs cannot REST when the independence of the judiciary is endangered. We must insist that constituting and reconstituting court panels must be transparent and fair. We must be that tireless voice that challenges our judicial processes to be above reproach, ensuring justice for all.

VANKATs cannot ignore the plight of our healthcare system. The recent shutdown of the renal unit at our leading teaching hospital due to non-payment of debts and the delays in clearing donated drugs are unacceptable. The health and well-being of our citizens must always be a priority, and VANKATs must advocate for better healthcare policies and management.

VANKATs must also champion the dreams and aspirations of our young graduates. The monopoly on professional legal education is stifling the career prospects of many aspiring lawyers. We must advocate for equal opportunities and fairness in professional training and development, ensuring that every student has a chance to succeed. We must be advocates for more effective allocation of our resources that generate enough jobs to hire our young graduates.

Our activism must extend to standing up against state sponsored lawlessness. The recent invasions of parliament and Ashaiman by soldiers are a stark reminder of the struggles we faced under the NRC, SMC, and PNDC regimes. We must honor our history by continuing to fight for the democratic values that so many have sacrificed for.

VANKATs have over the years and especially during the military era fought against various forms of social ills. Yet, it appears these ills, in the form of corruption, nepotism, cronyism, kakistocracy, kleptocracy, polycracy, galamsey etc. have become normalized. These ills should have no place in our society.

Our STAND on these issues must not depend on where we SIT. There must be no REST for those whose mess create the STRESS and cause the DISTRESS. VANKATs must

stand against these vices, demanding transparency, accountability, and good governance (GOGO).

Surely, it is deeply troubling that the state prosecutes an individual for perjury over a delayed response to his renunciation of his Canadian citizenship, while simultaneously rewarding a clergyman—who possesses two identities, two dates of birth, two mothers, and two tax identification numbers—with a board position on the controversial national cathedral project and a diplomatic passport. Even more curious is that this clergyman has the chutzpah to seek to injunct an MP from investigating these matters. It is a missed opportunity for VANKATS when we REST and do not make our voices heard on such glaring inconsistencies that undermine the principles of justice and fairness that should govern our society.

Let us draw inspiration from leaders like Arthur Kennedy, who, as president of NUGS, led the charge against the PNDC. His leadership reminds us of the power of student activism and the impact we can have when we unite for a common cause.

As VANKATS, we abhor indiscipline. Our music, demonstrations, ponding, and processions were always thoroughly planned and executed within the rules and laws. Agya Koo was an ultimate disciplinarian, constantly holding us accountable. The Gono Pond was there for a reason. This discipline is a cornerstone of our identity and must be upheld by the younger generation. Let us remind the younger ones to continue this tradition of disciplined activism and responsible citizenship.

Inevitably, we have made errors along the way, but our larger goals have always been crystal clear even if we did not achieve all of them. Today, as we gather here, let us recommit ourselves to our attributes.

Let us remember that truth is not always easy to uphold, but it is always right. In a world where truth is often challenged, let us be the steadfast guardians of honesty and integrity.

Let us live by example, showing that the principles we learned within the hallowed halls of Vandal City and Katanga are not just relics of the past but living ideals that continue to shape our present and future.

Forging forward into the future with resilience and purpose means that we will continue to uphold our values in the face of adversity. It means we will adapt to new challenges without compromising our principles. It means that no matter the obstacles, we will persist with determination and a clear sense of purpose.

For those of us in the diaspora, our contributions can be pivotal. We can support our halls and country by sharing our expertise, mentoring current students, and providing financial support for infrastructure and educational programs. Establishing scholarships, funding research, and facilitating international collaborations can significantly impact the development of our institutions and the nation. Our global perspectives and resources are invaluable in driving innovation and progress back home.

Our journey as VANDALs and Katangese does not end with graduation; it is a lifelong commitment to the values we hold dear. Let us carry the spirit of Vandal City and Katanga into our professional lives, our communities, and our families. Let us be the beacons of truth, vivacity, affability, neighborliness, devotion, altruism, and loyalty in every sphere we inhabit.

As we celebrate our reunion today, let us also celebrate the enduring power of truth and the indomitable spirit of the VANDALs and Katangese. Let us honor our past, embrace our present, and look forward to a future where we continue to make a difference, guided by the mottos that unite us:

We must REST NOT until TRUTH STANDS! Thank you, and long live Vandal City!

Long live Katanga Hall! Long live the VANKATs!!

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