Leadership Redefined: The Bar has been Raised!

Leadership is as old as the existence of time. Thus, a million definitions, school of thoughts, perspectives etc. For this purpose, I simply define leadership as the art of inspiring vision of what would have been thought of as impossible.

One of the unforgettable 21st century leaders who built undeniably the most valuable company as at 2018 with a net worth of US$1 Trillion according to Forbes.com, Steve Jobs said that "Leadership is about inspiring people to do things they never thought they could".
Quality standard of life, Jobs, Coups, Insurgencies, Genocides, Technology Advancements have all been achieved through good or bad leadership.

If you have been glued to this piece to this point you will acknowledge that "Leadership" is inevitable in the facets of mankind. And as such the student community of the University of Health and Allied Sciences can't be an exception to this "make or break" concept. The 2017/2018 academic year saw the rise of a dynamic man who inspired hope and promised several developmental milestones if the power bearers put him in the enviable office as SRC president. He won an unprecedented landslide victory but then it was time to work.

Could he and his team deliver? On fair basis this question can only be answered if we compare and contrast his approach to addressing the seasonal challenges (Almighty School fees drama, Aftermath drama of SRC week) in the University and the political promises made to the student body.

Obviously this piece can't capture everything but it's worth having a look at these. On school fees saga of students paying utilities, his outfit handled the issue with the seriousness it deserved by taking the necessary steps to lift the burden that would have experienced. As at now it's funny how we have SRC version and Management version of school fees.
His promise of increasing the inherited "VODAFONE SIM-CARD" initiative from 1.5 to 2GB, wasn't one without challenges of activation inadequacy, etc. but the bigger picture is that, it was achieved.

The Students Representative Council's Week aka SRC Week has been the test of all leaders of the council. The accusations of monetization, embezzlement, misappropriation, malfeasance and misplaced priorities are just a few of the Silverbird Cinema moments that trigger the rage of students annually.

In my experience as an Editorial Member, winning the Maiden NUGS Excellence Award in 2017 as Active Committee Member of the Year later the Editor of the Ho Campus reporting 2016/17 SRC week aftermath court cases, I can confidently say that the just ended SRC WEEK was one of the highly patronized, least monetized and very student centered.

I am part of those who hold the idea that SRC activities should be entirely free. Just imagine buying a ticket to attend the Independence Day Parade at the Black Star Square. If you don't see anything wrong with that, it's fine. The week is largely to bring students of all schools together and the sale of tickets shouldn't defeat this purpose. Although all the activities were not free, it is worth mentioning that a program, "CLASSIC DINNER" was held to help achieve aforementioned.

Two exercise books to each junior member might not necessarily add any 'value' to one's life but if it gives members a sense of belongingness and cause them to fully support the SRC then obviously it's a step in the right direction.

I do not have the facts to credit the newly purchased Public Address And Lightning System to the current administration but if it's out of their hard work then I think this year's SRC dues has been put to good use and the administration despite its many faults and weaknesses should be commended with it's leaders Mr. Asare Derrick, Mr. Nyande Isaac, Ms. Eva Essel Baidoo, Mr. Daniel Sakzabre and Ms. Emefa Awo Adawudu and all the appointees who served diligently.

There are a lot of critiques I intend writing on but in the mean time, this batch of executives deserve some applause. "Yen pene omo 3, yieee"

In conclusion, I urge the aspiring batch of SRC executives to take a cue from the successes and failures to foster continual development of the lives of the students. To electorates, it's your responsibility to elect leaders who are determined to this cause and not just popular candidates.

To those who who think the SRC is a baby organization and has no bearing on their lives, you're probably exhibiting gross ignorance or dumbfounding... (can't find a word).

Catch a sequel on 18 March
The "Curse" that Plagues Students of the University of Health and Allied Sciences.
In this piece, I talk about the actions of students that render the SRC weak and powerless and our role in making it great and a force to be reckoned with.

Happy Birthday to all Marchborns and especially those whose days fall in this week.

By: Daniel Boakye Andoh
Editor (2017/2018)