Accra, July 1, GNA - Daasebre Dr Oti Boateng, Omanhene of New Juaben Traditional Area, on Thursday asked students in institutions of higher learning to back their knowledge with good character and a sense of responsibility.

He urged students to make the most of the diversified knowledge system in the modern age of computers, and complement their knowledge with activities that would leave lasting impressions on their institutions, even when they had finished their courses.

Daasebre Oti Boateng, made the remark on Thursday at this year's celebration of the annual Republic Day Jamboree, of the Old Vandals Association (OVA), the Alumni of the Commonwealth Hall of the University of Ghana, Legon.

The celebration, which took place at the Commonwealth Gardens, Legon, was used to recognize and honour the contributions of Old Vandals towards national development.

Ten old Vandals, including Daasebre Boateng, were honoured with a citation each and a plaque.

He urged Vandals to keep in mind the motto of the Commonwealth Hall, "Truth Stands" and go by the truth and build in themselves a character based on truth.

Daasebre Boateng entreated Vandals to work to dispel the public perception of hooliganism and immorality associated with "Vandals." "We need to put our heads together to repackage vandalism, to move into the higher echelons of the society", Daasebre Boateng said.

Hall Master Professor Harry Akussah, in a welcoming speech, gave an overview of the programmes set for the Hall at its Homecoming last year and said not more than 10 persons had been benevolent in responding to rehabilitation programme set for the Hall, Among the programmes outlined were the keeping of the structures of the Hall intact, refurbishment of half of the Hall and the bathrooms within a year, construction of two huge underground water systems, and the resolve for old Vandals to commit themselves to painting their last rooms of residence.

Nana Akuoko Sarpong, Omanhene of Agogo Traditional Area, who chaired the celebration, said the legend of the Hall was still intact despite the pressure on it and appealed to his colleagues to give their support to the Hall, to maintain it to contain present and future students. The others who were awarded were Mr Paul Adu Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Bar Association, Mr Harry Baiden, former Chairman of Pepsi Cola Ghana Limited, Mr Willie Amarfio, an Accra based Legal Practitioner, Mr Africanus Owusu-Ansah, Aflao Sector Commander of the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service and Mr Ato Ahwoi Chairman of the Board of Directors of Accra Hearts of Oak Football Club.

The rest were Dr Frederick Torto Sai of the Koforidua Regional Hospital, Mr Gladstone Agblosoo-Mensah, Lawyer and Banker, Mr Francis Adu-Poku, Retired Principal Animal Health Officer, and Mr Osei Kwabena, Managing Director of Shegelege Enterprises.

During an appeal for funds, Mr Olu Luther King, Managing Director of Thorpe Group of Companies, donated 100 million cedis and Daasebre Boateng donated 10 million cedis.