The UHAS Students’ Representative Council (SRC) on Monday 6 September commissioned a 30-seater coaster bus that they purchased to help facilitate student activities. Outgoing SRC President Felix Apaloo said the dream of getting an SRC-owned bus was one that had been persistently pursued by previous administrations, but lack of adequate funding had deterred all efforts until now.
Mr. Apaloo explained that the SRC spends about Ghc 30,000 a year to transport its executives to internal and external meetings; the new bus would, therefore, significantly reduce their administrative costs: “This also means that student associations will be able to do more at lesser cost.”
He advised the incoming SRC administration to be more responsible in maintaining the bus, adding that a fund has been created for monies accrued from commercialization of the bus. “They must also ensure that all maintenance of the bus comes from this fund and not from SRC dues.”
Dean of Students, Dr. Kwabena Duedu, lauded the SRC administration for looking beyond the “usual entertainment” and instead, leaving behind a solid legacy: “We look forward to the SRC advancing a cause in major projects,” he added.
He said the new bus would bridge the transportation shortage in the University, especially among the students: “Often it proves difficult getting transportation for SRC-based activities.” Dr. Duedu said he hoped the bus would serve many generations of students to come, and cautioned them to at all times ensure that safe, responsible driving is the number one priority.
The SRC also on Thursday opened the newly refurbished canteen of the School of Public Health (SPH) in Hohoe.
Acting Dean of SPH, Professor Paul Amuna, lauded the SRC leadership for putting up long-lasting investments and expressed the hope that the next leadership will be challenged to do more. He said the University strives on training its students to take initiative in serving the community, and therefore supports initiatives spearheaded by the SRC: “We recognize you as a development partner of the University.”
Professor Amuna assured the SRC of continuous support from SPH and promised that the School would take up the responsibility of furnishing the canteen with seats and a ceiling.
The visit gave some of the SPH students a chance to ride the new bus.