University of Ghana, Legon Chapter marks a ten (10) years' anniversary

Having been organized in the year 2000 and successfully launched in March 2002, ARSSU Legon chapter is one of the vibrant tertiary chapters of ARSSU. The year 2012 marked the 10 years anniversary of the union and the patrons, executives and the entire membership of the union deemed it necessity to celebrate the 10 years milestones of achievement of the chapter on campus.  The celebration was well attended by National executives, members of ARSSU from other chapters, alumni from all other chapters, choirs, and a cross section of the clergy. The celebration was on the theme: “a decade of academic and religious growth, rising to the challenges of our time”. In preparing for the grand celebration, the anniversary was pre-launched at Tadzewu on 25^th December 2011 with a float and was officially launched on Legon campus on 25^th February 2012.

A BRIEF HISTORY ABOUT ARSSU-LEGON CHAPTER
 The union was formed around year 2000 and saw a successful inauguration in March 2002 at Akuafo Dinning Hall of the University of Ghana, Legon. Prior to its formation, the decision that led to the gathering and unionization of members of ARS on the campus became real after a conclave held at Thy Kingdom Come House, new Tadzewu. In its formative years, the union on campus did met in front of the Economics department but moved later to the front of Balmer Library. Currently, the union meets at top of Tacobel in Akuafo Hall. Medina central church serves as a mother church to which the union has been affiliated. However, the union embarks on visitations to Aayalolo, Abelenkpe, Pig Farm and other ARS Branches when necessary.

The union made remarkable achievements such as visitation to Legon Hospital on 23^rd October 2010 where they interacted with the Patients, prayed for them and presented assorted items to them. Also on 26^th February, 2011, the union visited Wovenu Secondary school where they presented books worth GH C 1000 to enhance studies on campus. Currently the over 40 membership union is being led by 12 executives.

ACTIVITIES OF THE TEN (10) YEARS ANNIVERSARY :

SATURDAY 24^TH MARCH 2012
This day was marked with fun games in the morning and film show in the evening. The fan games took place at the Sarbah Field of the institution as early as 10:30am with series of sports portfolios such as athletics, musical chairs, balloon burst, football games for males and female etc. participants included members and Alumni of the union, members from the various chapters, some patrons and National executives.

The fun games ended at about 2:00pm in preparation of the attendants for  the evening film show. In the evening, the activities resumed with the film show after preparation of the venue for the Thanksgiving service which would take place on the next Sunday.

SUNDAY 25^TH MARCH 2012
This day marked the climax of the celebration. For this reason, the programme was partitioned into three (3) catergories.

Part One (Thanksgiving Service):
The thanksgiving service commenced at about 9:45am with a call to worship led by  Rev…………………. interlude was given by choirs present such as Adenta ARS Choir and Madina ARS Choir. This was followed by the thanksgiving sermon which was preached by Rev. Mawutor Wovenu. The scripture was taken from Exodus 15:1-2. Preaching to congregation, Rev Mawutor was so grateful for the theme used for the anniversary and said it is the most appropriate since we have challenges that persue us daily in our church and it is the responsibility of the union to rise up against them.

Touching on the sermon, he said this scripture was the words of the song of Moses in thanksgiving to God when he was delivered from the enemies of Israel. He called the congregation to sing along with him “nye Mawue eyata makafui, fofo nye fe Mawue…”.  In conclusion, he pleaded with the celebrants to differenciate between celebration of age and celebration of achievement. According to him it is in vain if people celebrate the chronology of their anniversaries rather than the achievements.

After a song ministration by Legon chapter of ARSSU, there was an offertory which was commited to God in prayers by Rev. Christine Mensah. She also prayed for success of the first part of the day’s activities.

Part two (Speeches):
Part two of the programme was meant for speeches and commenced with the singing of the anthem of ARSSU. Fraternal messages were offered starting with a welcome address by the planning committee chairman. In his welcoming speech, Mr. Raymond Awadzi stated that “it is a commonly held view that any good initiative thatb any organization that is well grounde should have longevity”. With this he said he has the hope that the chapter will live to reign till there is no more time. He added that after the formation of the planning committee to co-ordinate the planning of the anniversary, they took the initiative to visit the church branches around to publicize the event. However as some branches received them wormly and pledged their support, others rejected them and questioned the “the basis of their existence in the church”. Though highly disappointed, they never got perturbed since they believed God wills the course of ARSSU. In conclusion, he confirmed that the Union had initiated plans toward the acquisition of a bus and as the day marks the climax of the celebration, “our aim is to raise funds towards the accomplishment of this project”

A message from the current president of the union also spelled the challenges  and achievements of the union. About challenges, Mr. Emmanuel Axorlu made mention of the union’s extension  of hands to the needy as said earlier by Mr. Awadzi Raymond. He also spoke on the union’s presentation to Wovenu Senior High Technical school and visitation to the various branches of the church around the metropolitan. He however lamented about the inability of some of the students who are the church members to surface and be recognised which affects their membership. Also talks about how some students play the role parents in paying their school fees and buying their own books ansd lecture materials that increases their stresses on campus.

Part three (Fund raising):
 Part three of the day’s activities was the fundraising ceremony towards the long awaited project of buying a bus for the chapter. Students, dignatories, members, patrons and alumni contribeted to the attainment of the project to raise a an amount of about GH C 7000. Part three of the programme was ended with a special song ministration by Legon chapter and the final benediction was given by Deaconess Christine Mensah. Refreshment, photography and socialization saw the activities to an end.

Long Live ARSSU