Achimota School Old Students Association to hold Annual General Meeting on 26th July, 2020

Dear Akora,

Over the last several weeks, I have been asking you to prepare to attend our AGM, either physically or remotely (virtually). I also encouraged you to nominate people to fill positions on the Executive Committee, including for a new President.

As at last Sunday, when the nomination window was closing, there were no nominations in place, thus forcing us to extend the deadline to Friday, 24th July 2020. I also called up a few people to encourage them to get themselves nominated to various positions.

While all this was happening, I received last Tuesday a large and powerful delegation of Akoras, young and not-so-young, at my home. They wanted me to stand for re-election to a third 2-year term as President.

I had told the whole world, especially my family and friends, that I was not interested in another term as OAA President. This request posed a major problem for me. I gave them all the very good reasons why I thought it was not such a great idea. The delegation would not budge. In the end I accepted their request to stand for re-election.

It is, however, my view that the decision to contest the election should not close the door to any other potential candidates. I just thought I owed it to you to explain why and how I became a candidate again, in the spirit of transparency and full disclosure.

I would also like to encourage you to participate in the AGM. If you are concerned about COVID-19, as we all should be, please be assured that every precaution will be taken to protect you. In case you cannot attend physically, we will make arrangements for you to attend virtually. The agenda is rich and important.

We cannot afford the cost of arranging for remote electronic voting, which is essential for a secret ballot. We will, however be prepared to take in the votes of those who participate by Zoom where the vote will be known only to the Electoral Commissioner. We will send out details of this by email to all those who register for the meeting and are in good standing.

Thank you for your attention.

Ernest Aryeetey
OAA President