THE University of Ghana has presently been rocked by a conflict between the university authorities and students of the Commonwealth Hall over plans by the university to convert the Commonwealth Hall into a mixed gender hall for graduate students.
Traditionally, the Commonwealth Hall has been an all-male hall and has become legendary for what may be described as an unusual expression of youthful exuberance.
In some cases, the Vandals are adored, while in some other instances they are a vilified lot.
The hall is reputed to have produced some of the country’s finest statesmen, including the likes of the Vice-President, Mr John Mahama.
However, the latest decision by the Executive Committee of the university appears to have stirred some passion and even some old Vandals have come out boldly to kick against the decision.
The Vandals profess that their form of vandalism is a culture with a philosophy; a way of life that promotes respect for all without prejudice; the highest form of religion in which fairness, equality, freedom and, above all, justice are cardinal principles.
Yet, there are some who have expressed reservations about that brand of dynamism and activism and questioned the level of profanity and violence that sometimes characterise their activities.
The decision of the university authorities, coming on the heels of the reported heckling of the Chancellor of the university and former UN Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan, and other dignitaries by the students of the hall, naturally implies that the Vandals are paying for their ‘sins’ against the former UN boss.
And although the Public Affairs Director of the university, Mrs Stella Amoah, says the decision is the result of the growth in the number of graduate and female students in the university, the Vandals do not seem impressed by that.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that the issue is one that can be effectively handled through dialogue and the spirit demonstrated by the Vice-President in this regard is very commendable.
Modern trends require that any showpiece of student activism must be carried out in a more genial and diplomatic manner, devoid of the old ways of violent demonstrations and rancorous declarations.
While the Vandals may want to preserve what, to them, is a cherished tradition, it may also be important for them to critically examine modern-day trends and embark on their activism, taking due recognition of the social, cultural and political temperature and posture of the time.
The world has moved away from the confrontational posture in conflict resolution and increasingly dialogue is turning out to be a more reliable way of resolving conflicts.
Media reports suggest that the Vandals heeded the advice of the Vice-President and suspended their planned procession to the Castle to present their petition.
While this is good sign, reports of demonstrating Vandals storming examination halls and taking students hostage will not help matters whatsoever.
That notwithstanding, it is our hope that the university authorities will remain committed to the option of dialogue, which is reported to have commenced between the students and the authorities.
The DAILY GRAPHIC hopes that any dialogue will be pursued in the spirit of friendliness and sincerity, with the supreme interest of the university considered above any other parochial considerations.
Academic work on the university campus can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity and nothing must be done to rock the boat. It will only be a waste of everybody’s time.
We hope the parties at the centre of the drama are listening.
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