After five years away from their spiritual home, members of the Old Vandals Association (OVA) returned to Commonwealth Hall at the University of Ghana on Saturday, August 1, for a historic 2026 Vandal Jamboree that celebrated reconciliation, resilience and the enduring legacy of one of Ghana’s most influential university fraternities.
Held at the Bacchus Gardens in the Vandal City, the event marked the first annual Jamboree to be hosted at Commonwealth Hall since an impasse forced the association to hold its flagship gathering off campus.
Representing Old Vandals serving in both the Executive and Legislative arms of government, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, Member of Parliament for Builsa South and Deputy Minister for Education, described the occasion as far more than a reunion.
“This year’s Jamboree was special because this was the first time we celebrated our annual Jamboree in the Vandal City after five years of holding it off base due to the now resolved impasse,” Dr. Apaak said, describing the event as “a celebration of restoration, unity and hope.”
Peace as the Foundation for Growth
Dr. Apaak emphasized that the restoration of harmony between Commonwealth Hall and the University of Ghana presents a unique opportunity to strengthen one of the University’s most influential institutions.
He thanked the University’s management for helping restore cordial relations and urged current Vandals to protect the peace as preparations begin for Commonwealth Hall’s 70th Anniversary celebrations in 2027.
“Nothing should disturb the peace. It is in the interest of our fraternity and in the interest of the University of Ghana to maintain this positive relationship as we work towards celebrating the 70th Anniversary of Commonwealth Hall next year,” he said.
According to the Deputy Minister, sustaining this renewed relationship will not only preserve the Hall’s proud traditions but also create an enabling environment for students to develop into future leaders, innovators and nation builders.
A New Chapter for the Fraternity
The Jamboree celebrated several milestones that symbolise a new beginning for the Vandal fraternity.
Among them was the reopening of the Global Head Office of the Old Vandals Association, which had remained closed throughout the impasse.
Dr. Apaak also announced the lifting of sanctions against seven students who had been rusticated during the dispute.
“Six of them are back pursuing their academic work at the University of Ghana. Unfortunately, we lost the seventh,” he said.
The developments were widely welcomed as evidence of reconciliation and a renewed commitment to preserving Commonwealth Hall’s traditions while strengthening its relationship with the University.
Collective Leadership Made the Difference
Dr. Apaak stressed that the progress achieved was the result of collective sacrifice, patience and strategic leadership.
He paid tribute to Old Vandals serving in the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, the National Council of Elders, the National Executive Committee and regional and international chapters for remaining united throughout the difficult period.
“It took the efforts of many to get us to this point. The role of Old Vandals in the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary deserves commendation, while the wise guidance of the National Council of Elders cannot be overstated,” he noted.
He also praised the National Executive for its steadfast leadership and acknowledged the significant financial and logistical support provided by regional chapters as well as members in North America and the United Kingdom.
A Cradle of Leadership, Innovation and Enterprise
Reflecting on Commonwealth Hall’s contribution to national development, Dr. Apaak described the Hall as one of Ghana’s foremost incubators of leadership, entrepreneurship and public service.
Over the decades, he noted, Commonwealth Hall has produced generations of distinguished alumni who have shaped Ghana’s political, economic, judicial, academic and social landscape.
Its alumni include a President of the Republic, cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, judges, lawyers, traditional rulers, vice-chancellors, renowned academics and researchers, medical doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, captains of industry, business executives, bankers, diplomats, security chiefs, senior public servants, celebrated journalists, playwrights, entertainers and internationally acclaimed athletes.
Beyond public service, he observed, Commonwealth Hall has nurtured generations of entrepreneurs and business leaders whose investments continue to create jobs, build industries and contribute significantly to Ghana’s economic growth.
According to Dr. Apaak, the Hall’s enduring success stems from a culture that encourages excellence, innovation, resilience, service and lifelong solidarity among its members.
A Fraternity that Builds Leaders
The Deputy Minister said the Vandal tradition has consistently inspired members to pursue excellence while remaining committed to justice, national development and service to humanity.
“We are VANDALS, Vivacious, Affable, Neighbourly, Dedicated, Altruistic and Loyal. We believe in freedom, equity and justice. We champion the voice of the voiceless, and our motto remains: ‘Truth Stands,'” he declared.
He added that the fraternity’s strength lies not only in its celebrated traditions but also in its ability to cultivate leaders who excel across government, academia, business, law, medicine, technology and the creative industries.
Distinguished Vandals Honoured
The event also recognised several distinguished Vandals for their outstanding service and contributions to the fraternity.
Honourees included Dr. Clement Apaak, Charles Kwaku Minkah, Alexander Owusu Jnr, Albert Akurugu, COP Patrick Akolgo, Amos Prince Atuah, Kpotosu Edem, Agbolosoo Mensah, Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, COP Blagodzi, and the OVA UK Chapter.
Receiving his award, Dr. Apaak described the recognition as the most treasured of his career.
“Of all the awards I have won over the years, I cherish this award the most,” he said.
As Commonwealth Hall prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2027, the 2026 Vandal Jamboree stood not only as a symbolic homecoming but also as a powerful reminder of the Hall’s enduring contribution to the University of Ghana and to national development. Through its long tradition of producing visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals and public servants, Commonwealth Hall continues to demonstrate that its greatest legacy lies not merely in its history, but in its continuing capacity to shape Ghana’s future.