The Old Vandals Association (OVA), Alumni of the Commonwealth Hall (the “Vandal City”), University of Ghana, is delighted to announce the highly anticipated return of the annual mini-homecoming (“Vandals Jamboree”) to its traditional home, the habitually beaming Bacchus Gardens, located at the front façade of the Hall, after a five-year absence.
The landmark event will take place on Saturday, 4th July, 2026, bringing together generations of Vandals, Associate Vandals, alumni of other Halls across the country and beyond, corporate partners and friends of the Vandal City for a grand celebration of heritage, leadership and service.
This year’s Jamboree will be held under the theme From Common Room to Common Good: Advancing Affordable Student Housing as a Shared Responsibility – The Contributions of Old Vandals.
The core essence of this year’s gathering goes far beyond a traditional homecoming. The theme reflects the unwavering commitment of Vandals to leverage their collective influence, expertise and resources worldwide to address one of the most pressing challenges on the campuses of Ghanaian tertiary educational institutions today; i.e., the lack of affordable and decent student accommodation.
For decades, the Vandal City has cultivated, nurtured and produced distinguished leaders who had served and continue to serve in various leading roles in government, business, academia, law, medicine, among others. As beneficiaries of this rich legacy, it is the turn of the current crop of Vandals to translate the spirit of brotherhood fostered in the Common Room into practical, real-world solutions for future students. We seek to resolve the accommodation crisis on campus by taking the bull by the horns.
As usual, we will use the occasion to raise funds to support our adopted needy educational institutions, namely: Mother Theresa School for Girls, Senya-Breku, Akropong School for the Blind and Akropong School for the Deaf.
The Hall will celebrate its 70th anniversary next year. In view of this, a pre-launch of the celebrations will be done to create the buzz for the main launch.
The return to the iconic Bacchus Gardens symbolises a profound reconnection with our roots and a renewed commitment to the values of leadership and nation-building that have sustained the Vandal tradition for generations.
To achieve this vision, the Jamboree will serve as a dynamic platform to generate ideas, build public-private partnerships and mobilise funds for sustainable housing interventions. The comprehensive program will feature insightful keynote addresses, strategic panel discussions on housing solutions, high-impact fundraising initiatives and networking sessions bridging alumni with current students.
The event also includes the recognition of distinguished Vandals as well as vibrant cultural performances to celebrate the unique heritage of the Vandal City.
On behalf of the National Executive Committee of OVA, I extend a warm invitation to all Vandals and Associate Vandals across Ghana and the diaspora to journey back to experience the feeling.
I also invite all corporate organisations, policy makers, development partners, alumni of other Halls and the entire University of Ghana community to join us at the Bacchus Gardens to contribute to this vital national development.
Together, let us celebrate our heritage, strengthen our bonds and build long-lasting solutions for the next generation.
Long Live the Commonwealth Hall!
Long Live the Old Vandals Association!
Long Live the Vandal Spirit!
Long Live Ghana our Motherland!
Isaac Nketiah Sarpong
National President
Old Vandals Association
