'I was very shy' – President Mahama shares how Commonwealth Hall shaped his personality

President John Dramani Mahama has reflected on his days at the University of Ghana, revealing how his experience at Commonwealth Hall helped transform him from a shy young student into a confident public speaker.

Speaking at the University of Ghana’s graduation ceremony on July 26, 2026, President Mahama said his time in Commonwealth Hall, also known as “Vandal City”, played a major role in shaping his personality.

How being a Vandal changed me from a shy boy to a fearless speaker – Mahama narrates

According to him, before entering the hall, he was a reserved person who struggled with expressing himself, but the activities and culture of Commonwealth Hall helped him become more outgoing.

“.....I ended up in Vandal City, a very shy young man. Today, if I can stand before 100,000 people and say whatever I want, it is what Commonwealth Hall made me into. It made me an extrovert; it made me expressive,” he recounted.

President Mahama also recalled some of the memorable experiences at Commonwealth Hall during his student days.

“I participated in all the activities of Commonwealth Hall, including ponding people and singing at our Bacchus Shrine," he noted.

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President Mahama said he shared a room with Yaw Ayeboafo, a renowned journalist, academic and former Chairman of the National Media Commission during his undergraduate studies at the University of Ghana.

"A36 was my first room, and I shared the room with Yaw Boadu Ayeboafo of the Graphic Corporation," he narrated.

Commonwealth Hall prides itself as the first and only male hall in the University of Ghana, Legon.

Residents of the hall are known as VANDALS, an acronym for VIVACIOUS, AFFABLE, NEIGHBORLY, DEVOTED, ALTRIUSTIC and LOYAL.

The ceremony also saw Chief of Staff Julius Debrah among the graduands. Mr Debrah graduated with a PhD in Museum and Heritage Studies from the University of Ghana.

See the video below:

COMMONWEALTH HALL❤️@VandalsUg pic.twitter.com/2Zn87t602A

— 0wura🥷🏾 (@Twum_111) July 25, 2026