A NEW DAWN OF GUPS

The Ghana Union of Professional Students has seen a new birth as the Ken Dorgbetor led administration exchanged hands with the Elorm Mawuli Kwawu administration yesterday at the 14th Handing Over ceremony at Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ).

The coronation was graced with the presence of the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon Dzifa Gomashie who gave the key note address on the theme "The Contribution of the Professional Student towards the Human Resource base development of the Country"
She reiterated the need for professional students to be job creators and employers rather than seek to be employed. She further said that with the values of self respect, love for culture and self confidence, "professional students could run our world."

In reaffirming her words, the president of the National union of Ghana Students,  H.E Prosper Dzitse advised that professional students in this age to employ
professionalism in whatever they do and most importantly, to use dialogue as means of reaching an understanding other than hide behind social media to express displeasure.

Furthermore, the newly sworn in president and CEO of GUPS, H.E Elorm Mawuli Kwawu admonished the bad state of infrastructure by most member institutions and promised that his administration "will take the bull by its horn" in addressing these challenges. He added that as a man "who lives by his words," he will not relent until GUPS receives a "new face."

The outgone president, H.E Kennedy Kwasivi Dorgbetor, expressed gratitude to all who were present at the gathering especially to all those who stood strongly by his administration and aided them get thus far. He briefly informed the gathering of the success chalked by his administration which included the beautifully carried out Face of GUPS which has seen an improvement from last year, the introduction of the Awards Night and most importantly,  the launch of The Knowing GUPS Campaign which seeks to build a stronger knowledge of the Union among its members and the creation of a blog and development of a new website for the union among others.

The program was graced by past and present student leaders in the country.

COORDINATING SECRETARY HAS BEEN REINSTATED

The Coordinating of The Union has been called back to service following her misconduct and disrespect for the constitution of The Union which led to a unanimous decision by the Secretariat to indefinitely suspend her during the 13th Annual Delegates Congress in Winneba, Ajumako.

Below is a copy of the letter she was served today,  the 16th of October 2015

                               REINSTATEMENT AS GUPS COORDINATING SECRETARY. 
Dear Madam,

We are glad to inform you that you have been reinstated as coordinating secretary of the above named union.
This is as a result of a review of a decision made by the National Secretariat on August 17, 2015 at the Annual Delegates Congress in Ajumako, C/R.
We believe that the action has served its purpose and we are by this letter informing you of our resolution to have you reinstated. Good luck and accept our warmest regards.

Yours faithfully,
Benjamin Alpha. 
General Secretary

Kennedy Kwasivi Dorgbetor
National President.

EMERGENCY CONGRESS HAS BEEN POSTPONED

NOTICE OF RESCHEDULED GUPS EMERGENCY CONGRESS

This is to bring to the attention of all member institutions of the Ghana Union of Professional students (GUPS) that the union's scheduled emergency congress for Saturday, 19th September, 2015 at The African University College of Communications (AUCC) has been rescheduled.

This postponement is due to the following reasons.

1. The vetting committee is yet to release its vetting results and the electoral commission deems it fit to allow aspirants time after the declaration to campaign.

2. The scheduled date 19th September happens to be the same date on which the PUSAG is also holding its national congress. In view of the fact that some institutions in GUPS also belong to PUSAG, we do not want to disenfranchise them as the PUSAG date was set long before our emergency congress date.

3. Finally our request to the Police Service for security has also be turned down on the grounds that a number of personnel have been deployed on various assignments.

The commission thus has rescheduled the emergency congress to Friday, 25th September, 2015 at The AUCC  which has communicated to the Police.

Any inconvenience caused is highly regretted.

Thank you.

Signed:

Diamond Mikado
(Electoral Commissioner)

  

DISTRIBUTION
1. NAT. SECRETARIAT, GUPS
2. ALL SRC PRESIDENTS
3. ALL CANDIDATES
4. THE VETTING COMMITTEE
5. THE GENERAL PUBLIC

NOTICE OF EMERGENCY CONGRESS

NOTICE FROM THE GHANA UNION OF PROFESSIONAL STUDENTS (GUPS)

The National Secretariat of GUPS wishes to inform its constituents and the general public that the Extraordinary Non-Residential Congress of The Union is slated for the 19th of September,  2015 at the African University College of Communications (AUCC), Adabraka, Accra.

This is a consequence of the failure of the 13th Annual Delegates Congress to organise elections for prospective National Officers for The Union.

We wish to also notify prospective Press and Information aspirants that fresh nominations would be opened in due time for them to file and contest in the upcoming elections since there are no candidates for that portfolio.

We humbly entreat all our stakeholders to remain resolute and confident about our collective resolve to place GUPS on the right path and revamp its rank.
Thank you!

Signed:
Alpha Benjamin Aidoo
National Secretary
0240313443

Ken Kwasivi Dorgbetor
National President
0242608931

COORDINATING SECRETARY WRITES

NOTICE OF DISASSOCIATION

19th August, 2015.

I write to officially notify your office of my stated indefinite suspension as the coordinating secretary of Ghana Union Of Professional Students and by extension the Chairperson for the 13th annual congress at UEW-Ajumako campus.
This said suspension as clearly stated in the notice of suspension, took effect on Monday 17th August 2015.
By this, I am no longer in any way responsible for the planning and execution of congress activities.
Per the notice, the programs and project coordinator has assumed office as chairperson for congress and is now directly answerable and responsible for congress activities.
As I do not take liability for any outcomes from this congress, I however pray that your outfit takes the necessary steps to avert any unforeseen circumstances.
It is my prayer that this shall not bring any inconvenience upon your high office.

SIGNED
Irene Wirekoaa Osei
(0241988531)

CC:
National Secretariat (GUPS)
Judicial Board (GUPS)
National Executive Committee (GUPS)
AG. Deputy Registrar (UEW-Ajumako Campus).
All social media platforms

GUPS COORDINATING SECRETARY IS SUSPENDED

GUPS COORDINATING SECRETARY IS SUSPENDED

The secretariat in consultation with the National Executive Committee of GUPS has on the 17th of August, indefinitely suspended the Coordinating Secretary of the Union, Irene Wirekoa Osei for misconducts and disregard for the constitution which serves as the custodian of the law.

The suspension letter was served to the CS at an emergency NEC meeting held for the that purpose. The letter was signed by all national officers except the financial controller, Eric Ansah who was not in consensus with the national secretariat.

Details of the story are in the press release below.

NOTICE OF SUSPENSION OF NATIONAL OFFICER

AUGUST 17, 2015.

In the spirit of Justice and regard for the Constitution of our Union, we as majority of National Officers by this issue, communicates the INDEFINITE SUSPENSION of Irene Osei Wirekoaa, the Coordinating Secretary of the Union and Chairperson of Congress Committee.

We have reached this consensus and made this resolution with the aim of safeguarding the Constitution and the interest of the ‘Professionals’ from arbitrary rule and wanton execution of powers which are inconsistent with the spirit and letter of this Constitution.

In the said matter that we refer to, the Officer in question inter alia refused to designate the Programmes and Projects Officer to his constitutional duty of ensuring ‘boarding and lodging’ as detailed in Article 23 clause (a) of the GUPS Constitution and moreover, recklessly refused to heed to that even upon a reminder and directive from the National Secretariat and the President in particular.

We believe this action is justified because of the ramifications of such an ‘ultra-vires’ act as stated infra;

1.      That the said National Officer who is the Coordinating Secretary of the Union has blatantly refused to carry out orders of the National Secretariat, the President and in extension, this very Constitution as enshrined in Article 20 clause (j).

2.      That we deem such an action a ridiculous attempt to usurp the powers of the bodies aforementioned and thereby go contrary to the Oath of Office she swore to uphold.

3.      That her said action is not only repugnant to the constitution and the structures of the Union, but also set a very bad precedence where National Officers may take unilateral decisions without due cognizance to the residual powers embedded in the Secretariat and the President.

In the light of the above matters, we invoke the powers of Article 51 where for the case at hand, explicit provision has not been made for ‘Suspension of National Officer” in the GUPS Constitution, to exercise its residual powers in Consultation with the National Executive Committee.

We are by this same issue, bringing to the respectful notice of the Judicial Board that the said National Officer ceases  to be the Coordinating Secretary of the Union until a time where the National Secretariat and NEC deems it fit. She in extension ceases to be the Chairperson of the Congress Committee.

By Constitutional tenets, National Secretariat enjoins the Programmes and Projects Officer to assume responsibility as Chairperson of Congress and run same till further notice.

Respectfully Submitted:

Kennedy Kwasivi Dorgbetor

President

Benjamin Alpha Aidoo

General Secretary

Emmanuel Lewis Akpah

Treasurer

Nancy Nana Araba Aggrey

Women’s Commissioner

Bernice Alorgbe

Press and Information Secretary

Philip Aluu

Programmes and Projects Cordinator

Eleazor Kissi Asante

International Relations Secretary

Cc:

Suspended Officer

Judicial Board (GUPS)

National Executive Committee

FACE OF GUPS PAGEANT

The Face Of GUPS beauty pageant was started by the Paa-Quecy Adu led administration in 2013. It was continued by the Steve Kubate led administration in 2014.

Speaking to the visioner, he said, "it is meant to beyond beauty, bring out the professional talent among the female members of GUPS."

Twice in a row, Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), has won the crown and still remain the reigning queens until this year proves otherwise.

This year's Face of GUPS pageant also seeks to bring out the professional woman out of its contestants.

IN PICTURES

Dora Badu Acheampong is a final year student of Ghana Institute of Journalism. In 2013, she won the maiden edition of the Face Of GUPS pageant. She undertook a project in Urogenital Fistula which was launched on GIJ campus.

Dora handed the crown over to Angela  Owusu Afriyie of Ghana Institute of Journalism making the institute two times champions.
Her project was on alcoholism.

UP-CLOSE WITH 2015 FACE OF GUPS CONTESTANTS

Tomquin Latoya is a level 300 student of the University College of Management Studies (UCOMS) studying Human Resource Management. She has a good sense of humor and loves to put smile on faces of others. she reads, dances and listens to music at her leisure time.   

Erica Osei Mensah Prempeh is a 19 year old  student of Alliance Francaise offering Bilingual Office Management. she has passion to help the less privilege in society. Erica draws her inspiration from seeing smiles on the face of children. Kofi Annan and her mum are people she looks up to.
She seeks to be one of the influential and young philantropists in Ghana. She reads anything she comes across. As well, she dances, sings and acts.

 Maame Esi Addo is a level 200 student of Ghana Institute of Languages (GIL). She desires to become a bilingual secretary. She sings and watches TV at her leisure.

 

Dora Owusua Boateng is a level 200 student of University of Professional Student. She loves reading and watching movies.

Karen Odoi Nkansah  is a 20 year old student of School of Social Work (SSW). She loves hip pop, watches movies a lot at her leisure.

 Shemima Dapilaa is a 20 year old student of Ghana Institute of Journalism in level 200. She is offering Communications. She is an excellent cook and loves movies. 

 Naa Kukuokor Owoo is a student of National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI) studying Art Direction. She chooses the institute of men to prove the capabilities of women. She is currently in level 200 and hopes to become an Art Director and a Production Designer. She loves to draw and design.

 

Dina Adu Hanson, 19, a student of Ghana School of Survey and Mapping, loves to read and listen to music.

GUPS WEEK CELEBRATION IN PICTURES

GUPS Week celebration is a time set aside by the GUPS Constitution to bring together members of the union to strong the existing bond. 

It is also a time 'publicize the existence, essence and roles of the union and seek to bond the union together the more'. It mandates the organization of GUPS Games and the Women's Commission Day.

The 2015 Week Celebration was under the theme "Redefining Social Entrepreneurship, The Role Of The Professional Student"

IN PICTURES 

Launch

Some invited guests at launch

Audience at launch

Clean Up Exercise at GSSM

GUPS President painting

Weeding

Local GUPS Prez of GSSM

Women's Commission Day

WoCom of UCOMS, Ms. Alomemele with GUPS Prez, Ken

Make up section

Make-up section

International Women's Day

Dr. Love teaching on relationship

GUPS Games

Basketball warm up

UPSA line up

basketball

spectators

JAYEE repping

award presented to GSSM, winners of GUPS game 2015

GIJ repping

GSSM repping

UCOMS repping

The climax of the 2015 GUPS Week Celebration was the games. Ghana School of Survey and Mapping (GSSM), emerged winners of the football game. 
The fifth day saw a visit to Smayak Resort in Cape Coast.

MINUTE OF THE SECOND MEETING OF THE GUPS NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

MINUTE OF THE SECOND MEETING OF THE GUPS NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE   

DATE: 25^TH April, 2015
VENUE: African University College of Communication

 IN ATTENDANCE: Kennedy Kwasivi Dorgbetor (Chairman)

                              Benjamin Alpha Aidoo (General Secreatary)

                              Emmanuel Louis Akpah (Treasure)

                              Irene Osei (Coordinating Secretary)

                               Nancy Araba Aggrey (Women’s Commission)               

                               Bismark Ayee ( NAFTI)

                               Larry (AUCC)

                               Edem George Tamakloe (JAYEE UNIV)

                               Osei Akoto Emmanuel (For GIL)

                                Haruna Roger Dogmalime (For UPSA)

                               Derrick N.A Tagoe (For GIJ)

                               Wisdom Gmayan (For UCOMS Accra)

PROCEEDINGS

The meeting began at 12:25 pm by Haruna Roger. The Chairman swore in new members of NEC.

INSTITUTIONAL BRIEFINGS

Larry from AUCC began by announcing to the house that the SRC Executive Committee at AUCC was an interim one. He further announced the successful organization of Akwaaba Week for freshers but bemoaned that the Women’s week was stalled due to lack of funds. He briefed the house on plans being made to conduct elections and hand over to an elected Executive Committee. He finally stressed that their short tenure has been an eventful one but saddened with the major problem of inability to assess funding because of how SRC dues are payed directly into management coffers

JAYEE

Edem  Tamakloe SRC President briefed the house that because of challenges that arose after the elections on  campus, the SRC Executives had  now been sworn in. The first General Assembly has been successfully organized, he concluded

GIL

For GIL constitutional problems posing challenges for elections was the major issue. That notwithstanding, GIL SRC was doing well.

NAFTI

For NAFTI similar challenges with regards to elections due to activities that occurred during the first semester. It was reported that there were challenges with appointment in the SRC. He updated NEC on the exchange programme between NAFTI, South Africa Film School and Finland Schools. He further updated the house on the upcoming elections and the annual NAFTI Film festival citing the lack of clear award system as a problem. He specially thanked GUPS for the Solidarity during the week-long festival and commended the GUPS President for honouring the invitation from NAFTI

UPSA

Hon. Haruna Roger, began by recounting the success of UPSA at GUPSA citing, the President, Treasurer and financial controllers as beneficiaries of UPSA GUPS agenda. He enumerated the following as successful achievements of the SRC so far: 1. Successful Week Celebration 2.Providing water storage material for children. 3. Ghana Student Discount Card launched on campus. 4. The student loan trust fund, made accessible to all students 5. Several workshops and seminars organized to enhance the capacity of students.

He concluded by pointing out the instrumental role that UPSA played in the celebration of GUPS Week 2015

GIJ

Election impasse was discussed by the representatives

DELIBERATIONS

General Secretary probed further on the AUCC situation with regards to assessing funds. AUCC President clarified the issue highlighting the difficulty in assessing SRC dues because of the reluctance on the part of management. GIL representative lamented over the same situation. After discussions on the matter the house agreed that the best way to go in solving this challenge is for the SRC to get bank account different from that of management

In a related development Edem Tamakloe updated the house on how management of Jayee has taken hostage of the SRC bus and using it as a ransom to deduct monies from the SRC dues. According to his report, the executives that bought the bus borrowed from management and were not able to settle and that is what had given rise to the situation. He implored GUPS and all NEC members to assist him in this direction

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

At this point the minutes of the previous meeting was laid on the floor of the house. After deliberations and corrections Hon Haruna Prosper moved for the adoption of the minutes.

WEEK CELEBRATION REPORTS

The report was presented by the coordinating secretary. On details of the report the house decided that since the chairman was not around we postponed discussions on the matter time when he will be available to answer questions.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

GIL representative bemoaned the lack of activity of GUPS citing that as a possible reason for non-payment of dues to the union. After the matter had been discussed a motion was moved by the coordinating Secretary, Hon Irene Osei Wirekoaa for the house to adjourn its sitting and break into General Assembly. This was seconded by Hon. Haruna Roger and the meeting came to a close exactly 4:10pm after the closing prayer had been said by the Veep of G.I.L Hon. Osei Akoto Emmanuel.

Benjamin Alpha 

General Secretary

SECRETARIAT REPORT OF THE GHANA UNION OF PROFESSIONAL STUDENTS FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER- NOVEMBER 2014

SECRETARIAT REPORT OF THE GHANA UNION OF PROFESSIONAL STUDENTS FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER- NOVEMBER 2014

DATE: 13TH NOVEMBER 2014

INTRODUCTION

By the grace of the Almighty God, the 2014/2015 GUPS year began on the 11th of October 2014 when the 2014/2015 batch of National Executives were sworn in at the University of Professional Studies,  Accra.

The event marked the beginning of another administrative period where the fortunes of professional universities were entrusted in the hands of the Dorgbetor led administration.

In furthering the GUPS Agenda,  we the National Officers made a resolution to take the "GUPS Agenda to the next level;" a commitment that we still standby and are ready to work to achieve.

POLICY DOCUMENT

Within the first two weeks of our administration we have been able to put together an almost- complete policy document. This document contains the direction of our plans, programmes and policies for the next one year. We also seek to incorporate into this document the major challenges facing our member institutions and appropriate ways of tackling the problems as a union.

When complete, we seek to make this document available to the perusal of General Assembly so that member institutions can partner us in achieving its content.

INSPECTION OF SECRETARIAT

In a bid to give our Union a befitting administrative edifice, we the National Officers visited the Office of the National Secretariat located adjacent the PWD building in Osu Accra. We sought to abreast ourselves of the state of facility and look at ways of improving it.

MADE IN GHANA POLICY

Recognising the essence of boosting our local economy by purchasing made in Ghana items, the National Secretariat of the Ghana Union of Professional Students decided to associate herself with the "African Print" policy proposed by National Officers of NUGS. In furtherance of this we have decided to make African print our official attire in all our meetings, media appearance and official engagement. This policy we hope to export to other SRC's under the Union so that we can together, instill the spirit of Africanism in our Students fraternity and boost our local economy.

THE GUPS 'JAW JAW' PLATFORM

Plans are far advanced at the Secretariat of the Union to put together a National Debate programme. This will be an intellectual platform for member institutions to present their positions on issues of National and Regional interest.

We also hope to use this programme to articulate the view point of students on national issues.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The first ordinary session of the General Assembly for the 2014/2015 GUPS year is scheduled to take place on the 28th of November, 2014 at UCOMS Accra. We extend a hand to the mother and sister unions to the all important occasion.

CHALLENGES

The National Secretariat has reason to raise an eyebrow over SRCs of its member institutions that are in court and thus have no governing students body to fully represent and participate in activities of the union. Out of them are GIJ SRC and Zenith University College.

It's our firm hope and believe that the legal tassle of our member institutions will soon end and the Union functioning again in one whole piece and as family.

Thank you!

Irene Wirekoaa Osei

Coordinating Secretary

CONGRESS 2015

The Union is set to have its 13th Annual Congress from the 16th to 20th of August,  2015 at the University of Education, Winneba.

Congress which is the highest decision making body of The Union will see to the election of new officials  to man the activities of the Union in the 2015/2016 academic year.

Some key activities lined up for congress are, Opening ceremony, Face of GUPS pageant, International Relations Summit, Launch of the 'Knowing GUPS Campaign, Awards Night, General Assembly,  National Executive Committee (NEC) Meeting,  tour to historic site in saltpond, manifesto  reading and election.

This year's congress of The Professionals is captioned "LET LOVE LEAD CONGRESS". This caption has been widely accepted by constituents as a call for peace on congress grounds which suggests peaceful congress devoid of  "mafia tactics" or vices of any kind.

The secretariat in its capacity has prepared and is still preparing to see to a peaceful congress come 16th of August. It is also using this medium to call on all former executives who have been out of touch with The Union to draw close particularly during this year's congress which will need their presence for the Awards Night and Knowing GUPS Campaign.