Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, Prof Pierre Gomez, minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, stated that his ministry would be very happy to work with the alumni association.
“I will be glad that if your association has issues you think we need to address, you can come forward and propose it. We will be more than happy to listen and improve. We at the ministry respond to the needs and aspirations of the Gambian people. If you have professionals and technicians with their expertise and you don’t make good use of that, then what is the essence and why are we there receiving salaries,” he quizzed.
Prof. Kwasi Dartey-Baah, the director of the Office of Institutional Advancement at the University of Ghana, explained that the Office of Institutional Advancement is a directorate tasked with the responsibility of advancing the University of Ghana globally. He added that this is also in line with the vice chancellor’s strategic objectives, including expanding the university's active alumni globally.
“This aligns with the six key objectives of the vice chancellor which is to create a sense of ownership and commitment among students, faculties, staff and alumni. This aligns with the University’s aim of strengthening peace alumni relations by revamping alumni groups and believing in projects and mutual concerns,” he said while adding that these are key to the growth and advancement of the university. He said that the University believes that this can be achieved through active organizing groups such as the alumni association.
Mr. Abdoulie Jammeh, the president of the alumni association, said they would reach out to stakeholders, affirming that together they will strive to foster a strong and vibrant alumni network. He said this will enable them to harness the wealth of expertise and experiences of the membership in order to support the work and development of the country.
“My primary focus is to lay a strong foundation for the association; build a strong network and establish a strong link with the University of Ghana,” he said.
Madi Jobarteh, the alumni representative, also explained that one of the things that has been with him and continues to motivate and inspire him is the university's motto which outlines integrity.
“That was fundamental because it was not only education but the value put in us. We went to Legon to seek education and values and to return home and contribute to national development. We gather to not only reconnect but to contribute to the University of Ghana because alumni associations are very critical in the development of their alma-mata,” he stated.
