NUGS marks 50 years

The Union, which was formed in 1965, has undergone some changes, contributing to national students’ development and to the human resource for the ruling class in the country.

The launch was held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) last Tuesday.

In an address, President of the Union, Mr. Paa Qwecy Adu, eulogised the numerous men and women whose positive initial actions have brought the Union to its current state.

He praised Messrs Totobi Kwakye and Kobina Arthur Kennedy [both were past presidents] for their resolve to deepening the students’ movement despite attempts by the military junta to disband the Union.

Mr. Adu told the gathering that the strong resolve and advocacy by the Union has made it to secure an office complex and other assets to be able to best serve Ghanaian students.

He called on government to ensure that monies due students studying abroad as well as monies owed teacher training colleagues and bursaries for senior high schools are paid on time to aid the smooth running of these institutions.

He warned politicians who have plans to undermine the peace of the country in the upcoming general elections to refrain from such acts as students in Ghana will not support such persons.

The NUGS president was also not happy about the increasing rate of unemployment and urged the deputy Minister of Education in charge of Tertiary, Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, who was at the event to help link industry with academia to ensure that graduates are abreast of on-goings on the job market.

Delays in the release of Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) disbursements were not left out of the Union’s pleas to the minister.

Mr. Adu appreciated the support of the embassies of Palestine, Algeria and Cuba and lauded their partnership with NUGS which partnership has lasted for decades.

The launch brought student leaders from all the tertiary institutions across the country and bloc heads.

Representatives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) were at the event to give their solidarity messages.