VENUE: 24^TH APRIL 2025 AT 11:00 AM

1. OPENING AND ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA: The President called the 150^th Ordinary Meeting to order at 11:03 am, followed by a moment of individual silent meditation.

A motion for the adoption of the agenda was moved by Mr. Kofi deGraft-Johnson and seconded by Dr. Benjamin Ntim.

2. ATTENDANCE: The list of attendees and apologies from members who were unable to attend the 150^th Ordinary Meeting held on 24^th April 2025 is attached as Annex 1.

3.0       REVIEW AND ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES OF THE 149th ORDINARY MEETING HELD ON 20^TH MARCH 2025 AT GIMPA CONFERENCE ROOM: The motion for the adoption of the minutes was moved by Mr. Duah Owusu-Sarfo and seconded by Mr. Philip Quarcoo following the following amendment: Matters Arising, item 4B. should read “and” GHC20,000.

3.1       REVIEW AND ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES OF THE 24TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) ON 20^TH MARCH 2025 AT GIMPA CONFERENCE ROOM: The motion for the adoption of the minutes was moved by Dr. William Steel and seconded by Dr. Benjamin Ntim following the following amendment: item 2.0, Matters Arising, GAFICS House Update, … exploring alternative options  for a “permanent address” should read exploring alternative options for “a rented meeting place.”

4. MATTERS ARISING:
5. GAFICS HOUSE: Mr. Emmanuel Bentil-Owusu, Chair of the GAFICS House Committee, recounted GAFICS’s journey through various locations before the Association decided to acquire land for the construction of a dedicated GAFICS Centre. He noted that, among all the sites considered, GIMPA emerged as the most favorable option, despite some minor challenges.

He further reported that earlier in the day of the Ordinary meeting, the Executive Team including himself as the Chairman of the GAFICS Centre project met with GIMPA officials, who have agreed in principle to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the GAFICS project. While a few issues remain to be addressed, the prospects for realizing the GAFICS Centre are promising. Mr. Bentil-Owusu  further emphasized that the significant efforts invested in this project must not be derailed at this stage and noted that half of the necessary funds for construction have already been realized.

Dr. Benjamin Ntim acknowledged the challenges faced over the past six years, noting that the presentations, particularly by Mr. Kwaku Dua Osei-Bonsu reflected  the need to accept the current situation. He recalled the initial positive engagements, including an evening interaction with the GIMPA Rector at his residence and a site visit to the proposed building location. However, he expressed concern that, despite these efforts, the project has not advanced as expected.

Dr. Ntim emphasized the importance of getting the perspectives of new members, as some original advocates may have changed their positions. While believing that the majority still support the project’s continuation, he urged the Executive to consider the concerns raised.

Dr. Emil Asamoah-Odei also added that he was initially uneasy about the strong opposition to the GAFICS House project, but after hearing the arguments, he was now fully informed and will support the majority decision. He acknowledged that while we have each contributed to society individually, it is time—given our core mandate of collective welfare—that we invest in a building of our own and for the use of GIMPA. He noted further that such a project also reflects our stance of giving back to society

Mr. Duah Owusu-Sarfo also expressed his support for the GAFICS House project, citing past inconveniences of moving files and frequently changing meeting venues. He believes that the project is still worth pursuing, even if it means buying our own land.

Mr. Seth D. Vordzorgbe noted that the new terms of agreement may wrongly suggest GIMPA opposes the GAFICS House project, when it’s actually a change of heart. Clarifying this could help shape the discourse. He further suggested that the Association could explore external sources of funding for the GAFICS House project.

Dr. William Steel noted that, from an economic perspective, increased investment should yield future benefits, yet no clear cost-benefit analysis had been presented. He also cautioned that project costs may rise and called for a realistic total cost estimate. He suggested that an informal poll should be conducted among the generality of members to assess the standing of particularly the perspective of new members, especially if there is mandatory minimum payment of $1200 for all GAFICS members.  

The President on the question of contributions said that the contributions of $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000 were voluntary. He continued that GAFICS had decided before his tenure that every GAFICS member should pay a minimum amount of US$1,200. However, he added, if the minimum “levy” of $1,200 was what was posing a problem, he personally would propose that the $1,200 should be also made voluntary. But he believed that members of the Executive Committee might not agree with him.

He informed members that GIMPA has now provided GAFICS with office and conference space. He confirmed full management support of GIMPA for the GAFICS House project. A productive meeting between GAFICS and GIMPA earlier that day reinforced their shared mandate to give back to society through student mentorship and joint certificate programs. As a follow-up, the Deputy Rector, Prof. Ebenezer Adaku on behalf of the Rector, wishes to host GAFICS members in June for an evening working dinner to discuss collaborative steps forward.

Mr. Bartholomew Nyarko-Mensah proposed a simple yes-or-no poll on the platform to gauge if at least 50% of members support the project. He noted that while some have already pledged, more advocacy is needed to raise funds. He cautioned against actions that could alienate members who initially opposed the project, stressing the importance of inclusivity to ensure the project is completed

1. GAFICS CLUSTER GROUPS/COMMITTES: It was noted that the cluster groups are not functioning as expected. Members are encouraged to join the groups, as GIMPA is interested in specific areas that align with their mentorship arrangements and other needs. A spreadsheet will soon be circulated for members to indicate their areas of expertise, specialization, and interest.
2. PRESENTATION: Dr. Azoda Koffi provided a thoughtful perspective on the health benefits of ITERACARE.
3. AOB:
4. a) Augusta N. Odoteye, the wife of our late colleague, Mr. Sam Odoteye, has passed on. The Executive Committee, in conjunction with the Welfare Committee, will pay the usual visit to the family and offer condolences.
5. b) GAFICS Book Donation: Members were requested to present names of schools to which donation of the first 50 copies of the book could be made for consideration.
6. c) Administrative/Finance Assistant: Deadline for receiving applications was noted as 30^th Members were reminded to send their recommendations.
7. d) An evening encounter with GIMPA’s Rector has been scheduled for Thursday, 29^th May 2025 at 6:00 pm.
8. e) The Treasurer, Mr. Gabriel Dzisoo, noted that GAFICS cannot continue covering lunch shortfalls. He proposed that Alfred confirm attendance a week before meetings to ensure accurate lunch numbers and avoid future shortfalls.

   CLOSING:   Kofi deGraft-Johnson moved, seconded by Dr. Seth Kumi for the closure
   of the meeting at 13:07 p.m.