Kumasi, Aug.12, GNA - The 40th annual delegates congress of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) opened in Kumasi on Friday with a call on the leadership of the students body to put the past behind and forge a united front to champion the course of students in the country. Madam Patricia Appiagyei, Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, who made the call in an address read for her, said recent conflict among the leadership of the union was a source of worry to the Ghanaian society. The congress, which is under the theme: "conflict resolution among student leadership", is being held in the wake of the recent bitter conflict and rivalry that had engulfed the student front, especially among the outgoing leadership resulting in the polarisation of the union.

It is expected to discuss issues and come out with ideas that will redeem the image and try to bring all the factions together and re-invigorate the union to regain its status as a responsible and respectable advocacy group in the country.

It will also elect new leaders to replace the outgoing executive. Eight persons have filled nominations to contest as president of the union while two are contesting for the position of general secretary. Madam Appiagyei observed that, it was the wish of every Ghanaian that, schools and higher institutions of learning produced self -disciplined, dedicated and well discerning individuals capable of objectively analysing issues.

She pointed out that, any act of indiscipline on the part of students, especially those in leadership positions was a betrayal of societal expectations.

Madam Appiagyei advised students to channel their grievances through appropriate authorities for redress instead of resorting to riots, which at times led to destruction of public properties. Mrs Veronica Adu Brobbey, Vice Dean of the University College of Education, Winneba Kumasi campus (UCEW-K), said conflicts, which were inevitable in every human institution should be handled amicably in order that institutions stayed united.

She appealed to the leadership of NUGS not to allow their differences tear then union apart but continue to seek avenues to bring all shades of opinion together.

Mr Michael Kofi Adu, Senior Assistant Registrar, Academic of UCEW-K, advised the leadership not to allow conflicts to degenerate into emotional differences, adding that, they should accept divergent views and come out with ideas that would help strengthen the union. He said there was the need for strong unity in the students' front to enable them play intermediary roles in the management of national conflicts to promote unity in the Ghanaian society. 12 Aug. 06