ARTICLE 1: PREAMBLE
With faith in God, from whom all things emanate and to whom all things are referable.
DETERMINED: To foster unity and solidarity amongst our institutions. Desirous of fostering chosen bond of friendship and responsibility realizing the need to obtain the highest excellence in our moral, spiritual, social, political and intellectual endeavors and solemn declaration and affirmation of our faith in the principal that all powers government emanate the collective of the people.
We intend to establish an accountable student government to enrich our heritage and safeguard the exquisite principle of probity, veracity and equity.
We the students of all the five (5) agricultural colleges under the leadership of ACSU do hereby enact and give to ourselves this constitution as the fundamental laws of our student body and Agricultural Students’ Union leadership this day.
ARTICLE 2: SUPREMACY OF THE CONSTITUTION
A. This constitution shall be the supreme law of the students of all the Agricultural Colleges in Ghana
B. Any act or enactment that is inconsistent with any provision of this constitution shall be null or void.
ARTICLE 3:
The name of the body shall be known as the “Agricultural College Students’ Union” of Ghana
ARTICLE 4: DUTIES AND POWER/ AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE UNION (ACSU)
a. To be the sole and only body for making representation to the Ministry of Food and Agricultural and on behalf of the students of all the Agricultural Colleges in Ghana/
b. To seek the general welfare of the students and to advice on matters relating to students’ welfare.
c. To be responsible for planning of the Agricultural Colleges Students’ Union functions including the promotion of the Games and Conference annually.
d. To co-operate with the representatives of students bodies of the colleges and institution of higher learning for the promotion of unity and solidarity in the country and overseas and progressive youth movement in and out of the country and to keep in contact with past students of the Agricultural Colleges.
e. To formulate rules end regulations as will promote cordial relationships between students and, or groups of students without discrimination on grounds of gender, creed, ethnic origin or course of study or college of study.
f. To foster the maintenance of the right academic atmosphere for the students of the Agricultural Colleges and encourage them.
g. However, the ACSU shall be empowered to appeal against any Agricultural College
LAWS OF THE UNION : The laws of the union shall comprise of:
1. This constitution.
ii. Rules, order and regulation governing the student body issued by the school’s authorities of the various Agricultural Colleges mentioned here in.
2. Pursuant to the provision of this constitution, any rule, order or regulations under this Article 1, clause ii, found to be inconsistent shall to the extent of inconstancy be declared null void and shall be in no effect.
3. The inconsistency of article 1, clause ii, shall comprise of such moves seeks to;
I. Suppress peaceful demonstration and processions.
II. Establish force labour or servitude contrary to the universal principles of Human Rights of dignity.
III. Suppress freedom of thought and religion.
IV. All union members shall have the right to resist any person(s) trying to abolish the constitutional order established by the constitution.
4. A person who alleges that any omissions or act of any person is in contravention of a provision of this constitution may cause to summon that person before the executive committee or its representative to defend him/herself.
I. Any student found guilty under Article 5 shall be liable to punishment such as is approved by the executives.
5. Any student who is a member of the aforementioned shall be an automatic member of the union.
II. A student union may cease to be a member of the union after having completed his/her third (3rd) year in the field of study.
III. The executives reserves the right in constitution at the delegates conference of the union, to revoke the membership of any student upon the acts of insubordination, criminal offence or that the activities of that person are minimal and prejudicial to the security of the union or other acts that may be deemed improper or
IV. That membership was acquired by misrepresentation and other irregular or improper practices.
ARTICLE 5: MEMBERSHIP OF ACSU
The membership of ACSU shall be as follows:
a. Members of the National Secretariat.
b. The local President and Secretary of each Agricultural College
c. The Student Representative Council of each Agricultural College.
d. The patrons of ACSU in all the Agricultural Colleges.
e. All students of the Agricultural Colleges.
THE EXECUTIVES
I. The students’ Representative Council (SRC) of the seat of the incoming executives under the supervision of the senior house master or any other senior member of staff shall elect the executive member.
II. At least one member of staff shall be appointed by the senior house master or any other senior member of staff who may preside over the election to desist in the conducting the elections.
III. Voting shall be by secret balloting.
IV. The ballot papers shall be counted immediately after the close of poll, and the vote cast in favor of each candidate made known in the presence of the student body.
V. Where two or more candidates are nominated, the candidate who polls the large number of vote shall be nominated.
NB: Where only one candidate is nominated no election shall be conducted and that candidate shall be declared selected.
VI. The executive seat shall be:
a. Steered on rotation by the various Agricultural Colleges mentioned herein, and rotation shall be in the following order: From Kwadaso to Pong –Tamale, from Pong – Tamale to Damango, from Daamango to Ohawu, from Ohawu to Ejura. The cycle shall be repeated as mentioned herein.
b. The executive seat shall be held for one calendar year and no person(s) shall have the right to make the executives stationary at a particular College for more than the period specified herein, unless approved by at least ninety percent (90%) of all union members.
c. Owns allegiance to the Ministry of Food and Agricultural, specifically the Human Resource Management and Development Division.
VII. A person shall be qualified to hold an executive position unless he/she is:
a. A member of the union pursuant to Article 1.
b. Able to speak and write English with proficiency and efficiency to enable him or her take active part in all proceedings.
c. Incapacitated by deformities or other physical forces to warrant difficulties in performing his/her duties.
VIII. No person shall qualify to be an executive who………… has been adjudged or declared:
a. To be of unsound mind or is detained as a criminal, lunatic under any law in force in Ghana
b. A bankrupt in Ghana
c. Owns allegiance to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, specifically Human Resource Department and Development Division.
d. Has been convicted on high crime, treason, dishonesty, incompetency, fraud, moral attitude or any other offence or indictment.
6. The union shall take steps against any action issued any Human Resource authorities or any other body which seeks to victimize any executive member in the course of the discharge of the duties confirmed upon him/her provision of this constitution.
7. I. Any executive member wishing to vacate his/her post will give one month notice with reasons properly assembled.
II. An executive member may vacate his/her post if he/she:
a. Ceased to be a student of any of the Agricultural Colleges mentioned herein as pursuant to the provision of this constitution.
ARTICLE 6: OFFICERS
a. The National ACSU President.
b. The National Vice President
c. The National Secretary
d. The National Vice Secretary
e. The Financial Secretary
f. The National Treasurer
g. The National Organizer
h. The Assistant Organizer
i. The National Chief Whip
ARTICLE 7: THE COMPOSITION OF NATIONAL SECRETARIAT
The National Secretariat shall be composed of the president and his executives, the local representatives and Patrons. They shall be in any powers provided in the constitution to.
With Article 8.
a. A policy initiating body and shall see to the implementation of the policies of the ACSU laws.
b. Empowered to take decisions in case of emergency on behalf of ACSU.
Article 8: DUTIES OF OFFICERS
A. PRESIDENT
I. He /She shall be the leader and chief spokesman of the members in all matters coming under the jurisdiction of ACSU.
II. He /She shall also have power to appoint a Patron in consultation with the national executives.
III. He/ She shall preside over meetings.
IV. He /she shall be a signatory to ACSU bank account.
V. He /She must approve all monies to be released by Treasurer.
VI. He /She shall have power to delegate authority and be answerable to.
VII. He /She shall have the power to make or receive donation on behalf of the union.
B. VICE PRESIDENT: In the absence of the President or his inability to act his duties as stated in the Article 8A above.
I. He /She shall be in charge of general supervision of the rest of the executives.
II. He / She shall perform any other function assigned to him/her by the President.
III. He / She shall represent the President on ad-hoc Committee for disciplinary matters set up by the College.
The Vice President also makes policies when there is impeachment.
C. SECRETARY
I. He/she under the direction of the President or Vice President subject to the approval of the National executives summon meetings stating the agenda.
II. He/she shall record and keep minutes during every meeting of the union.
III. He/she shall in consultation with the executive board handle correspondence.
IV. He/she shall be a joint signatory to all ACSU accounts.
V. He/she shall have custody of documents of ACSU office and also for the day-to-day running of the ACSU office.
D. VICE SECRETARY
I. The Vice-Secretary shall be assuming office take the executive oath set out in the constitution before the President.
II. He/she shall act in the absence of the secretary to discharge all duties of the secretary.
III. The Vice Secretary shall perform other duties that may be assigned to him/her by the President or the Vice president to the provision of the constitution.
IV. The Vice President should be a continuing student where they should be included in the executives.
E. THE TREASURER
I. He/she shall have custody of all ACSU cheques and cash books.
II. He/she shall save and withdraw money for the union with permission from the President.
III. Keep proper books of account with respect to all financial transactions and assets, incomes and expenditure of the union in accordance with the financial regulation provided in this constitution.
IV. He/she shall in consultation with the Financial Secretary present an annual financial report at the end of his/her tenure of office.
V. He/she shall be a member of the Financial Committee set by the President.
F. THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY
I. He/she shall also bare signatory to the union’s account.
II. He/she shall have access to the financial records.
III. He/she shall be superior to the Treasurer.
IV. He/she shall be chairman to the Financial Committee unless otherwise a decision by the president forbids it.
G. THE ORGANIZER
I. The Organizer shall be a continuing student.
II. He/she shall before assuming office, take the executive oath set out in the constitution before the President.
III. He/she shall see to the organization of any program by the union.
IV. He/she shall be liaised with other bodies of the various Colleges in the planning of the ACSU Games and Conference.
H. VICE ORGANIZER
I. He/she shall be in consultation with the Organizer in the performance of his duty.
II. He/she shall also be a continuing student.
III. He/she shall perform all duties detailed to him by the Organizer.
I. THE CHIEF WHIP
I. The Chief Whip shall before assuming office, take the executive oath set out in the constitution by the President.
II. The Chief Whip shall be the First year class prefect.
ARTICLE 9: CONDUCTING OF ELECTIONS
a. The Electoral Commission shall be liaised with the college’s protectoral elections team.
b. A simple majority shall be required to win the election in case of two or more candidates contesting for a post. However, if candidate stands unopposed at the end of the nominated period, the student body shall be made aware for nomination to re-open. If after three (3) days no student has applied for the post, then the said student shall be declared unopposed.
c. In the case of tie, fresh election shall be held for the candidates involved within two (2) weeks.
d. The President shall have the right to elect his executives with consultation with the Vice President as set out in this constitution.
e. Where the Electoral Commission detects irregularities at a polling station during voting, the results shall be cancelled or otherwise depend on the nature of irregularity.
f. Any candidate who shall be guilty of any malpractice shall be asked to withdraw from the elections by the Electoral Commission.
g. Any student who has been found guilty of embezzlement/misappropriation of student funds, dishonesty or has wifully behaved in a manner detrimental to the good reputation of the student body, shall not qualify to stand election and contest elections to any of the positions.
h. Any student who stands to contest for an election shall submit him/herself to the screening committee in accordance with the constitution.
i. Candidates for the various positions should have spent at least four (4) semesters in any of the Colleges.
j. Elections shall be held in the middle of the second semester.
k. There shall be a screening committee, which shall include the following as its members:
I. The Patron.
II. The SRC President.
III. The outgoing local ACSU President.
IV. A Lecturer.
V. Any member of the Board of Governors.
The screening Committee would be from the incoming secretariat.
ARTICLE 10: RESIGNATION OF OFFICERS
a. Any executive of the secretariat may resign his post voluntarily. Any such resignation shall be communicated to the President in writing seven days before the date of his/her resignation.
b. Any executive member relinquishing his post shall immediately hand over all documents and property of the Union (ACSU) to the Secretary (and if the Secretary he/she resigns, to the President).
c. The President has the right to make any member resign his/her post.
ARTICLE 11: EDITORIAL BOARD
A. REPORTER
I. Each College shall have a reporter responsible for the collection of information/data. The reporter shall work in consultation with the local representatives and the student body.
II. he/she shall submit all gathered information and present it to the Editor, who shall be represented at the National Secretariat.
IV. The reporter must be fluent in English language, have the ability of good Journalism and must write good simple English.
B. EDITOR
I. He/she shall be represented at the National Secretariat.
II. He/she shall be assuming office, take the executive oath set out in the constitution before the President.
III. He/she shall be responsible for the production of the ACSU Newsletter (Magazine).
ARTICLE 12: FINANCE
I. All shall pay prescribed fee as dues per annum.
II. Two-thirds (2/3) of the dues shall to the National Secretariat of ACSU.
III. Any College which has five percent (5%) of her students owing in dues to the National Secretariat by the end of the first semester of each year will sanctioned.
The gravity of the sanction will be decided by the National Secretariat. If the defaulting College is next to hold these as that College forfeits its right to hold the seat until his his/her right is due for the next rotation.
The penalty spelt here for dues defaulting Colleges, may be inapplicable only if:
a. There has been equal or more than 100% increment in dues, member Colleges shall in that effect is given the first month of the second semester of the year as grace period to settle their unsettled dues in full.
b. There is delay in annual allowance adjustment.
The penalty however holds in the absence of the stated conditions and above all failure to adhere the grace period given.
IV. Any member College
ARTICL 13: MEETINGS
I. There shall be a delegates meeting at least once a year.
II. The executive shall regulate its own procedure at its meeting.
III. All meetings shall be summoned by the President who shall preside at all meetings thereof; and in the absence of the President, the vice President may be nominated to preside.
IV. There shall freedom if debates, speech and proceedings at meetings and the freedom shall not be impeached or questioned after the meeting.
V. Whenever in the opinion of the person presiding over the meeting and at least seconded by 1/3rd of the entire seating, a statement made by a member is defamatory of any person, the member who made that statement shall within five (5) days render an apology, the terms of which shall be approved by the executives and communicated to the person who has been defamed.
VI. Where a member refuses to render an apology in accordance with the provision of clause 5 of this article, the President reserves the right to suspend that member.
VII. A person who has a counter imperious report of the proceeding at the meetings shall offer a written apology with the same prominence: failure to do so shall lead to his/her indefinite suspension by the President.
ARTICLE 14: DUES
I. There shall be early dues, the amount of which shall be critically analyzed and considered by the National Executives and proposal sent to the Director HRDMD for consideration and approval.
II. Where the need arises, such that the executives find it expedient for extras monetary contribution, members shall be could upon to pay whatever difference they may be.
III. All monies paid are not refundable.
IV. The Union shall keep accounts of all monies collected.
NB: Apart from annual ACSU dues, members are obligated to pay all the dues payable by students of Agricultural Colleges. This constitution empowers College Authorities to sack students or prevent them (students) from writing their semester examinations for non-payment of payable dues in full, including examination fees.
ARTICLE 15: AUDITING
I. There shall be an auditing team comprising, an outgoing local ACSU President, incoming National ACSU President, and the College’s Student Auditor Representative from each of the Member Colleges to audit the account of the union after the delegates’ conference when the need arises. The independent auditing team shall have access to all books, records returns and other documents relating or relevant to those accounts.
II. In performance of its functions, the Student Representative Council shall:
a. Not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority. Shall have the power to disallow any other item or expenditure which is improper or contrary to the provision of this constitution and surcharge.
b. The amount of any loss or deficiency has been incurred.
c. The amount of any expenditure disallowed upon the person responsible incurring that expenditure or……..
d. Any sum which has not been properly brought into account upon the person by whom the sum ought to have been brought into account.
ARTICLE 16: AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION
I. A delegates meeting or conference shall be the sole authority to amend any provision of this constitution.
II. Enactment of the amendment shall not withstanding anything contrary to the provision of this constitution be subject to the general consensus of all Union member supported by at least two-thirds(2/3 ) majority.
ARTICLE 17: THE EXECUTIVE OATH
I …………………………………………………… having been elected or appointed to the executive post of ………………………………of the Agricultural Colleges Students Union for the ……………… academic year, do hereby (in the name of God solemnly affirm) that I will bare true faith and allegiance to the union and will conscientiously perform functions of my office, without or favour , ill-will or malice. I further solemnly swear, solemnly affirm that I will strive at all times to preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the union and should I at any time break this executive oath, I shall submit myself to the laws of the union and suffer the penalty thereof (SO HELP ME GOD).
ARTICLE 18: PENALTY
I. Any College which has five percent (5%) of her student owing in dues to the National Secretariat by the end of the first semester of each year shall be sanctioned. The gravity of the sanction shall be decided by the National Secretariat. If the defaulting College is next to hold these as that College forfeits its right to hold the seat until his his/her right is due for the next rotation.
II. The penalty spelt here for dues defaulting Colleges, may be inapplicable only if:
a. There is delay in annual allowance adjustment.
b. There has been equal or more than 100% increment in dues, member Colleges shall in that effect is given the first month of the second semester of the year as grace period to settle their unsettled dues in full.
The penalty however holds in the absence of the stated conditions and above all failure to adhere to the grace period given.
Any member of the aforementioned Union shall have her dues perfectly settled while her membership is terminated for a whole year, upon any unjustifiable act of chaos, vandalism which may tarnish the image of the Union , and gravely bring an abrupt halt during any formal ACSU function.
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