Professional Documents
Culture Documents
ULTIMATE
VOICE
THE DRAFT OF THE REVIEWED CONSTITUTION WAS MADE BY A
COMMITTEE UNDER THE GOVERNANCE OF THE SPEAKER OF THE
THIRD PARLIAMENT, RT. HON. BABA SEIDU.
THE REVIEW COMMITTEE (2008/2009):
CHAIRPERSONS:
HER LORDSHIP PORTIA CANN- CHIEF JUSTICE
HON. ABENA OWUSU AMOAKO- AG. WOMENS COMMISSIONER
HIS LORDSHIP NANAYAW RICHMOND OSEI- CHIEF JUSTICE
MEMBERS:
RT. HON. BABA SEIDU ISSAKA- THE SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT
RT. HON LINDA IMBEAH- DEPUTY SPEAKER
RT. HON. MORO KWESI SESI- CLERK TO PARLIAMENT (2008/2009) & DEP.
SPEAKER (2007/2008)
HON. REV. OTCHERE BAFFOUR- MINISTER OF WELFARE/ SPIRITUAL AFFAIRS
& DEPUTY CLERK (P.R.O)
HON. GLORIA EDUSEI- WOMENS COMMISSIONER
REV. JOHN AVORGAH- AG. DEAN OF STUDENTS AFFAIRS
HON. FRANCIS AGBEWALE- ELECTORAL COMMISSIONER
HIS LORDSHIP GEORGE OPPAN- CHIEF JUSTICE (2006-2008)
HON. SUZY SAMPSON- GOVERNOR (STOTT SOCIETY)
HON. JACOB BART PLANGE- GOVERNOR (ANIM SOCIETY)
APPIAH-CHIEF
MEMBERS:
HON HANNAH QUANSAH (GOVERNOR, UBUNTU).
HON. ISAIAH ADEKOGE (DEP. MINISTER FOR SPIRITUAL AFFAIRS &WELFARE)
HON. ADOWA AMOAKO (MP, McKEOWN SOCIETY)
HON. LENNOX ASHIE KOTEI - ELECTORAL COMMISSIONER
INTRODUCTION
The Regent Ghana Students Parliament is characterized by a unique representational structure being the first ever
to be adapted by any tertiary institution in the country. This system features fusion of powers, where the head of
the students governing body is the same as the head of the students legislative body being The Executive and
Parliament respectively.
The Executive is made up of three elected members, one running mate whom the speaker-aspirant files as part
of his/ her nominations (for the position of Deputy Speaker) and three appointed members by the Speaker in
consultation with the Executives who are listed below:
The Speaker of Parliament (Elected)
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament
The Clerk to Parliament (Elected)
The Deputy Clerk (General Services)
The Head of Finance and Planning
The Womens Commissioner. (Elected)
The Deputy Clerk to Parliament (Public Relations, and Events)
The Societies (Equivalent to halls of residence), being the sub-communities or constituencies within the
University community will present four elected members each to Parliament as Members of Parliament, and the
Heads of the societies (Governors) to serve as Parliamentary Chief whips.
The law making function is certainly the most visible activity performed by the Regent Ghana Students
Parliament. The House deliberates on issues related to students and resolves conflicts among competing
interests. This system provides a veritable forum for student participation in the business of the house and
debates are allowed through consideration of proposals before being passed by the House on behalf of the
entire Students body.
The dignity of Parliament is affirmed by this Constitution which serves as and is termed the Ultimate voice of the
Regent Ghana Students Union.
DECLARATION
We the students of the Regent Ghana Students Union are:
DEDICATED to democracy, the rule of law, the promotion and safeguarding of citizens rights and being aware of
the multiplicity of problems faced by citizens in tertiary institutions within the Nation and across the Continent of
Africa, deem it paramount to create a forum (the Regent Ghana Students Parliament,) mandated and empowered
to address issues concerning students governance and representation, using ONE voice -The Constitution of the
Regent Ghana Students Union.
AIMING at creating the requisite medium to equip a vanguard of purpose-driven professionals and leaders
committed to the socio-economic and spiritual renewal of our competitive global environment.
ACKNOWLEDGING the need for a unique system of students governance, which will enable the participation
of students in policy formulation and implementation with a patriotic and passionate consciousness to fulfill their
individual and collective aims and aspirations for the development of Ghana and Africa; hereby, enact this
Constitution to establish the Regent Ghana Students Parliament (RGSP) which shall represent the students of the
Regent University College of Science and Technology as the highest ruling body of the Regent Ghana Students
Union (RGSU).
ARTICLE I: NAME
1. The name of the body shall be known as THE REGENT GHANA STUDENTS
UNION (RGSU), herein after referred to as REGENT STUDENTS UNION.
2. The Motto of the Regent Citizens. Union shall be: RGSUWe Explore and
Discover
3. The Slogan of the Regent Citizens. Union shall be: Creative Minds! We
Explore and Discover!
NB: The Motto, Slogan and Accolade of the Regent Ghana Students Union (RGSU) shall be the same for the
Regent Ghana Students Parliament (RGSP).
5. Constitution
a.The name of this constitution shall be THE ULTIMATE VOICE OF REGENT GHANA STUDENTS
UNION herein after referred to as THE ULTIMATE VOICE.
b.The supremacy of the Constitution:
i.This Constitution shall be and serve as the supreme law of Regent Ghana Students Union. ii. The
enforcement of the provision of this Constitution shall be upheld by the officers and members of Regent
Ghana Students Union.
iii. All Citizens (ARTICLE II section 2) shall have the right and duty at all times to defend and protect the
sanctity of this Constitution through peaceful means.
1. All citizens of the Regent University College of Science and Technology are automatically members of
Regent Ghana Students Union (RGSU).
2. Members of the Regent Ghana Students Union shall hereinafter be referred to as CITIZENS.
3. All alumni shall automatically be inactively part of the Union.
i. Apart from the Speaker, the Clerk, the Womens Commissioner and the Deputy Speaker (who will be filed by
the speaker- aspirant during nominations,) all other executive shall be appointed by The Speaker in consultation
with The Clerk and The Womens Commissioner.
2. The Regent Ghana Students Parliament consisting of:
a. A seven (7) Member Executive
b. Twenty (20) Elected Members of Parliament (MP) representing the five Societies for morning,
Evening and weekend streams.
c. Five (5) Chief Whips (Societal Governors)
d. Eighteen (18) appointed ministers of whom eight shall be the sector ministers and ten (10) deputies.
b.Ministries:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
6. The Womens Commission: This commission shall harness the intellectual capacity of female citizens
with a view to sharpen them as tools for the solution of the problems of female citizens.
a.The Womens Commissioner will be the head of this commission.
b.The Womens Commissioner must appoint a deputy Commissioner, Secretary, Organizer and a Treasurer who
will discharge their duties voluntarily.
c.The membership of the commission shall consist of all female citizens.
7. Societies:
a.There shall be societies in the Union.
b.Societies shall elect Governors, MPs, Secretary and Treasurer.
c.Governors shall be the heads of their societies.
d.Governors shall appoint campus representatives.
e.Governors are responsible for transmitting information from parliament to their societies.
f.Governors are responsible for Societal Week Celebrations.
g.Governors must send a report to the office of the Deputy Speaker at the end of every month.
h.Each society must have a constitution.
2. Election of Parliamentarians:
c. Any candidate who stands unopposed, after the close of the filing of nominations shall not be declared winner but in such
instance there shall be a referendum.
d.Where there is a tie in an election, there shall be fresh elections held between the candidates involved
within a maximum of seven (7) days.
e.All cases of irregularities during any election should be reported formally (in writing) to the office of the
Chief Justice for judicature within three (3) working days after the declaration of final results.
f.The office of the Chief Justice shall within seven (7) working days rule on any reported electoral
irregularity.
g.No member of the Electoral Commission shall stand for any election unless the member in question has duly
resigned the position previously held within the Commission.
h.No member of the Judiciary shall stand for any election unless the member in question has duly resigned the
position previously held within the Judiciary.
i.No Governor shall stand for any executive position unless the Governor in question has duly resigned the
position previously held within their Societies.
j.Executives shall hold office for ONE ACADEMIC YEAR, renewable for a SECOND TERM ONLY,
provided they are not in the final year.
k.Members of Parliament shall hold office for ONE ACADEMIC YEAR renewable for a second term or
more, provided they are not in the final year.
4. Bye-elections:
a.In the event of an office becoming vacant as a result of the officer resigning, removal from office, death,
prolonged illness, insanity or dismissal from the University, a bye-election shall be held to fill the vacant
position, within Twenty-eight (28) working days.
b.Such an election shall follow the laid down procedure as stipulated in this Constitution.
c.Any member of parliament who shall wish to contest a bye-election shall first duly resign the current office held.
d.In an event of a parliamentary seat becoming vacant under circumstances as in
4(a), a bye-election shall be held to fill the vacant position as stated in 4(a), (b) and (c).
1. Definition:
a.The Executive, also referred to as the Executive Committee shall be a seven- member team as listed in
Article V, Clause 1 above.
b.It shall serve as the prime student leaders
c.It shall be the administrative and implementation arm of the governing structure of the RGSU entrusted with
the will of the members of the Regent Students. Union to carry such functions on their behalf as stipulated in
this constitution.
d.It shall implement the decisions and policies approved by the RGSP.
e.It shall ensure proper discipline amongst citizens and as well promote the rights and positive interests of
citizens.
e. Any development or project, repairs, renovations and maintenance work undertaken by the RGSU shall be
referred to the Finance and Planning for advice before approval by the speaker.
f.It shall be responsible for the review of the amount to be held as imp rest by Treasurer or Treasury
Department
g.Shall co-opt other citizens with accounting and audit background for the speedy discharge of its functions
when necessary.
h.The Internal Audit Department shall also be headed by a Level 300 Accounting Student and The Audit
Department shall be responsible for auditing all transactions of the RGSU and its agencies. The head of the Audit
Department shall not be a signatory to the RGSU Accounts, he/she and or his/her subordinate shall audit
(scrutinize) all budgets, transactions (payments, petty cash receipts, invoices, etc) to their satisfaction.
10
3. Suspension and Removal of Members of the Executive Committee of the RGSU and the Independent
Constitutional Bodies:
a.The provisions under Article VIII Clause 5 notwithstanding, any member of the RGSU may by notice in writing
addressed to the judiciary, commence impeachment proceedings against any elected member of the Executive
Committee of the Union provided that such a notice shall be endorsed by signatories who form not less than
twenty percent (20%) of the entire citizens body with at least ten percent (10%) of the membership of each society
being signatories.
b.The Judiciary shall within seven days of receipt of the notice of impeachment examine and publish its
report on the issue(s) which shall be submitted to the various societies for debate or deliberations during
which the officer concerned shall have the right to state his or her case to a Citizens Assembly.
c.An officer of the Executive against whom impeachment charges have been preferred shall be officially
removed from office by a two-thirds majority of the votes cast by members of Parliament conducted for that
singular purpose under the supervision of the Chief Justice.
d.Any appointed member of the Executive Committee who fails to discharge his or her duties as set out in this
Constitution shall by a two-thirds majority decision of the Executive Committee convened for that purpose be
removed from office.
e.Any member of the Executive Committee who acts in a way to bring the image of the RGSU into disrepute shall
be removed from office in accordance with sections (a), (b), (c), and (d) above.
1. Definition:
a.Regent Ghana Students Parliament (RGSP) also referred to as Parliament shall be the Legislature and the
highest decision making body of the Regent Ghana Students Union
b.It shall be responsible for the making and unmaking of laws that shall govern the RGSU.
2. Composition: - It shall be composed of
a.The Entire membership of the Executive
11
b. The Governors of the Societies (Mckeown, Stott, Ubuntu, Nkrumah and Anim) who shall serve as the
Chief Whips of their Caucuses in Parliament.
c.Elected members of the Societies (four per Society representing the Morning, Evening and Weekend
streams)
d.For the benefit of doubt, the numerical membership of Parliament shall be fifty-two (52), distributed as
follows:
i. The Executives seven (7)
ii.
The Governors of the Societies (Chief Whips) five (5)
iii.
The Elected Representatives of the Societies four (4) per Society making twenty (20)
iv.
Eighteen appointed ministers (18).
v. Chief Justice (2)
3. Functions of Parliament:
a.Making and unmaking of laws for the Students Union.
b.Periodically meeting with the management of the University to exchange ideas on matters of interest to both
management and the student body.
c.Meeting with citizens on a regular basis to update them on the state of the University.
d.Organizing programs with the aim of enhancing the academic, social and intellectual lives of citizens.
e.Acting as the ultimate voice of the Regent Students Union.
f.Performing any other function deemed as appropriate and in the interest of the Regent Students Union.
b.Deputy Speaker:
i. Shall preside over Parliamentary Sittings in the absence of the Speaker
ii.
Shall perform all other duties of the Speaker in his/her absence and/or as
iii.
shall be assigned by the Speaker
c.The Clerk:
i. Shall be the chief scribe of Parliament; recording the proceedings of Parliament and making the
minutes of Parliamentary sittings available to members at least seven clear days before the next
regular scheduled sitting of Parliament.
ii.
Shall be the administrator of Parliament
12
iii.
Shall preside over the sitting of parliament in the absence of both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
d.Any officer, except those elected by the general student body, may be removed from office by Parliament for
inefficiency or negligent discharge of duties or acting in a manner prejudicial to the interest of the general student
body or Parliament or for proven misconduct by not less than 51% of the entire members present at a sitting.
e.Any Member of Parliament representing a particular society shall automatically cease to be a Member of
Parliament if a vote of no confidence is passed on such a member by the society represented or if adverse
findings are made against such a member by the Judiciary Committee and confirmed by Parliament.
f.A society may also impeach any of their Members of Parliament should they act in a manner prejudicial to the
societal rules and regulations. Such members shall automatically lose their seats in Parliament and be replaced by
new representatives of the societies concerned, elected through bye-elections supervised by the Electoral
Commission.
NB:
Majority, Minority and Independent in Parliament
Citizens appointed by the executive body vetted by the governors and approved in parliament as ministers will no longer
have voting rights in parliament but must be present at all parliamentary sittings. Ministers of the union will no longer
receive per year duce of a student as sitting allowance but shall receive per year duce of two (2) citizens as allowance on
semester basis. A member of parliament can double as MP and minister if appointed by executive and approved in
parliament.
Members who shall have voting rights in parliament shall be twenty - five (25).Twenty elected members of parliament(four
people from each society and the five governors).Two thirds (2/3)of the twenty five(25)members of parliament shall form
a quorum. The total number of members needed to form a quorum shall be sixteen (16) members of parliament.
13
Any member of any group (majority/minority) shall have the right to vote in favor of a motion or not but not necessarily in
the interest of the group (majority/minority).
Independent Body
The Chief Whips shall automatically become the independent body, they shall have voting rights in parliament.
14
1. Definition:
a.It shall be the legal arm of the governing structure of the RGSU
b.It shall be a single court of judicature that shall have powers to hear and rule on matters brought before it
between citizens, a student or group of citizens and an official of the Regent Students Union or member(s) of
Parliament.
c.It shall be an independent body: not subject to the control of the Executive or Parliament.
3. Functions:
a.It shall have jurisdiction in every matter relating to the enforcement or interpretation of any provisions of the
constitution and in every matter where it is alleged that a person or body of persons have acted against the powers
conferred on them by this constitution.
b.It shall have the mandate to resolve conflicts between citizens or group of citizens
c.It shall have the power to co-opt member(s) without voting rights on ad-hoc basis.
d.It shall have the power to summon citizens or any Member of Parliament to appear before it to give
evidence in matters before it.
e.It shall have the appellate jurisdiction over all petitions lodged with the Electoral Commission and on all
constitutional matters lodged with the Judiciary
f.All impeachment proceedings against any member of the Executive shall be brought before it.
g.For smooth exercise of its function, it shall have power to do such things as shall be reasonably necessary
including the issuing of prerogative writs or orders such as Mandamus, certiorari and the creation of subcommittees to deal with specific issues.
15
h. Except where the judiciary finds it advisable to sit in camera (private), all sitting shall be in public.
i.Unless specifically provided in this constitution, the decision of the properly constituted panel of the
judiciary in all matters shall be by simple majority.
j.It shall be subject only to the provision of this constitution and the general rules and regulations of the
University.
k.It shall not be subject to the control or direction of any other person or authority.
l.It shall however have power to consult the University Senate and Disciplinary Board.
m.It shall have power to prescribe any appropriate punishment having regard to the provisions of this
constitution provided the punishment so prescribed shall be capable of being enforced by the Student
Parliament or the general student body as the case may be.
n.Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, the judiciary through
Parliament shall recommend any decision to the appropriate authority for implementation.
o.It shall appoint a recorder who shall take accurate record of its proceedings during sittings.
1. Definition:
a.It shall be the only institution within the Regent Ghana Students. Union mandated by this constitution to
organize and supervise all elections within the Union.
b.It shall be an independent body: not subject to the control of the Executive or
Parliament
c.The Chair shall be designated as the Electoral Commissioner
16
b.Functions:
i. The commission, under the chairmanship of the Commissioner shall be responsible for the conduct
of all Regent Students. Union elections, referenda and opinion polls by secret ballot or electronic
polls.
ii.
The Commission may make rules and regulations of procedures for the exercise and execution of its
functions subject to the rules and regulations governing the conduct of RGSU/Parliamentary
elections as stipulated in this constitution.
iii.
The Commissioner shall chair Vetting of candidates by the Electoral Commission.(The EC shall
form the vetting committee considering the following offices; The Executives, The Deans, The
Academic secretary, The Educational Support Services, Guidance and counseling Unit, The
Chaplaincy and Governors ) for the purpose of screening nominees.
iv.
The chairman of the Screening Committee (the Electoral Commissioner) shall only have a casting
vote when members of the committee are equally divided on whether to approve a nominee or not.
17
5. Sports Ministry
a.Shall be headed by the sector minister.
b.Shall consist of the Games, Sports and Fitness Coordinators of the various Societies (a male and female per
society).
c.Shall be responsible for the organization of all Games, Sports and Fitness events in the University.
d.Shall solicit for sponsorship for events it shall organize and account for same.
e.Shall organize inter-societal games and sporting activities to select and prepare the Universities teams in
various disciplines for inter-university games and sporting activities.
f.Shall acquire sporting and games equipment and kits from its allocated and generated funds.
18
6. Entertainment Ministry
a.Shall be headed by the sector minister.
b.Shall consist of the Entertainment and Recreation Coordinators of the various societies (a male and female from
each society).
c.Shall be responsible for the organization of all entertainment and recreational activities and events
(including excursions and tours) of the RGSU.
d.Shall solicit for sponsorship for its activities and events and shall account for same.
7. Finance Ministry
a.Shall be headed by the sector minister
b.Shall work closely with the Deputy Clerk (Finance) with Finances of the Union.
NB:
All sector ministry shall have one deputy except for sports, games and fitness which shall have two deputies,
one male and one female. The External Affairs Ministry shall also have two deputies with the second deputy
serving as a representative of foreign students.
Committees
Any committee under any ministry shall help and make sure that ministry execute it task.
Health Committee
The health committee shall be headed by the deputy clerk general service.
The health shall liaise with the school nurse to help provide first aid at any RGSU activity.
19
20
a. Any officer of Parliament, except those elected by the general student body, may resign his or her post
voluntarily. Any such resignation shall be communicated to the Speaker in writing, seven (7) days before the date
of resignation after which Parliament shall meet and either accepts or reject such resignation.
b.Any officer of Parliament and for that matter of the Executive, elected by the general student body, wishing to
resign his or her position shall communicate the intention to the Executive committee in writing fourteen (14) days
before the date of resignation and the Executive Committee shall meet and either accept or reject such resignation.
c.In the event of any officer elected by the general student body resigning, the executive committee shall make his
or her intentions known to the entire student body within four (4) days on receipt of his or her resignation letter
and appoint a Member of Parliament to act in the office vacated thereof until fresh elections are held.
d.In the event of en-bloc resignation of the Executive Committee, the Judicial Committee shall meet to either
accept or reject such resignation. In the event of the Judicial Committee accepting, the committee shall appoint
members of parliament to take up the post so vacated till fresh elections are held
e.Any officer relinquishing his or her post shall immediately hand over all documents and property of Parliament
to the Executive committee and if the Executive Committee itself resigns en-bloc, all documents and property
shall be handed over immediately to the Judicial Committee.
3. Members of the Judiciary and the Electoral Commission cannot be suspended or removed from office by the
Executive.
4. It is only Parliament that can impeach members of the Judiciary after a complaint has been filed against any
one of them. In such situation, the procedure to be followed is as outlined under Article VII Clause 3.
5. However, in the specific case of members of the Judiciary, Parliament shall hear and investigate the
petition as the Judiciary would have done and take a decision on it accordingly.
21
d. The dues, which must be paid per semester, shall in the interim be collected on behalf of the Union by the
accounts office of the University as part of citizens. School Fees until such time that the Union establishes its own
accounts office to collect the dues directly from citizens.
e.Pending the establishment of its own accounts office, the University accountant shall every month, upon
receipt of School Fees, calculate and transfer the RGSU Dues component into the current account of the
Union.
f.The RGSU shall deposit ninety percent (90%) of all its income in its current account and ten percent (10%) an
investment account for the purpose of financing memorial projects that shall be determined by Parliament.
2. Disbursement:
a.The Unions funds shall be disbursed in accordance with the budget of each new Executive of the RGSU,
prepared and submitted to Parliament by its Minister for Finance and Planning for approval.
b.Before disbursement, ten percent (10%) of the fund shall be lodged in an investment account against
projects.
c.Funds shall be disbursed for:
i.
Activities and functions as Parliament may approve
ii.
Administration expenses
iii.
Welfare concerns (Such as deaths of a citizen)
iv.
v.
Vi.
Any Productive venture that will provide revenue for Parliament. This must be discussed among the
Executives
Affiliation dues (PUSAG dues etc.)
One tenth (1/10) of each years budget shall be channeled to the welfare scheme
l. Except for petty cash expenses, all payments by Parliament beyond Two Hundred Ghana Cedis
(GH200.00) shall be made by means of cheques duly crossed and supported by approved vouchers.
m.Parliament shall operate within a planned financial forecast prepared 28 days after coming into office.
n.At the first sitting of the New Parliament, there shall be a Final Auditors Report that shall be laid before the
New Parliament.
o.In case of established embezzlement, the culprit shall be given twenty-eight days to refund all the money. After
failing to pay the said amount within the specified period, then as the last resort, the culprit shall be handed over
to Universitys management or the police
b.The Executive members of Parliament shall each receive per year dues of two (2) students each after every
Parliamentary sitting as allowance
c.Members of Parliament shall each receive per year dues of one (1) student after each Parliamentary sitting as
allowance.
d. The chief justice and deputy shall receive per year dues of two (2) students after every parliamentary sitting as allowance
e. Honoraria for Electoral Commission:
i.General Election
Commissioner- shall take per year dues of ten (10) citizens.
Deputy Commissioners- shall take per year dues of six (6) citizens.
Other two (2) members- shall take per year dues of five (5) citizens.
ii. Bye-election
Commissioner- shall take per year dues of one (1) citizen.
Deputy Commissioners- shall take per year dues of one (1) citizen.
Other two (2) members- shall take per year dues of one (1) citizen.
23
e. HONORARIA
i.The vacation residence feeding costs and other incidental expenses of the Executive and any other Student
on Parliamentary assignments shall be paid out of the student Parliament funds. The amount to be paid is
subject to the approval of Executives on behalf of parliament in cases where parliament is not in session
ii. Certificates of office shall be presented to Members of Parliament on the day of handing over by the
University's Registrar.
iii. Certificates of membership shall be presented to Members of Parliament at the end of their term of office
iv. No regime shall after the promulgation of this reviewed constitution create more than ten (10) honorary
fellows of parliament or of The Union, unless otherwise the regime has a legitimate reason to do so and does so
by making parliament pass a resolution to overrule this provision.
v.Parliament shall have an insignia which shall be kept at the Student Parliament office under the custody of the
Executive and used at every parliamentary sitting
vi. The judiciary shall have an insignia which shall be kept at the Student Parliament office under the custody of
the speaker and be used at the judiciarys sittings.
vii. End of service benefits hereinafter known as REGENT ASEDA for all office holders shall be
cumulatively FIVE SITTING ALLOWANCES.
This provision notwithstanding the regime shall through parliament review the package based on amount in the
Unions Account.
24
g. The judiciary shall submit its report to Parliament. Parliament within 10 working days of receipt of the
report shall send it to the various societies for debate
2. Amendment of Non-entrenched provision
a.An amendment, like a main motion, must be moved, seconded and discussed in accordance with procedure for
motions outlined above
b.No amendment shall be moved, which by the Speakers ruling, rescinds, negates or destroys the original
motion
c.If an amendment be rejected, other amendments may be moved on the original motion. If an amendment be
carried, the motion as amended shall become the motion and shall be the question to which any further discussion
may be addressed or upon which the final vote is taken.
1. SPECIAL EVENTS
25
3. GENERAL MEETINGS
a.Parliament shall at any time the need arises convene a forum or general meeting of the student body at a
designated place on campus for the sole purpose of discussing or announcing matters that affect the general
welfare of its Citizens
b.Two hundred Citizens of the entire student body shall form a quorum
c.A special meeting of the student body shall be called on the request of hundred citizens with at least twenty from
each Society who shall subscribe their names and signatories to the request, stating the business to be considered at
such a special meeting
d.All decisions shall be determined by a simple majority
e.Matters of impeachment shall not form the basis of such a forum, such matters being the proper domain of the
judiciary
4. PARLIAMENTARY MEETINGS
a.Ordinary parliamentary meetings shall be held within the periods determined by that Parliament at its first
sitting at a designated place. The Ministers of the various Ministries and MPs shall report on the state of Citizen
Life at such meetings on the request of the Executive
b.Two-thirds of the members shall form a quorum
c.With the exception of the Executive members, any Member of Parliament who absents himself on two
consecutive occasions without any acceptable reasons shall be suspended from parliament according to
ARTICLE XII of this constitution. The body which he or she represents shall be notified accordingly
d.Particulars of the business to be transacted at any meeting of Parliament shall be stated in the notice convening
the meeting which shall be issued to members at least three (3) days before the date fixed for the meeting.
Emergency meetings shall however be convened at shorter notices
e.All such decisions taken during the meeting shall be determined by a simple majority of the members
present by voting unless otherwise stated
f.In the event of a member of the Executive absenting himself from meetings for two consecutive times without
an acceptable reason, he shall be suspended in accordance with ARTICLE XII of this constitution
g.All emergency meetings of Parliament shall be convened by the Executive or on written request of fifteen
members of the Student Parliament who shall subscribe their names and signatures to the written request stating
the business to be considered. No other business shall be considered by parliament at such an emergency
meeting. Such a meeting shall be held within three days of receiving such request
h.The dress code for all Parliamentary meetings shall be formal (Gents must always be in shirt and tie and
ladies dress formal or National.)
i.The use of mobile phones is strictly prohibited at all meetings. Any member who violated this shall be
sanctioned as deemed fit be the Speaker in consultation with the Executive.
26
WORKING PAPERS
1. A working paper shall be adopted before work begins on it. However, a motion can introduce any relevant item
for the agenda for discussion
MOTIONS:
2. All accredited members have the right to file motions or proposals. However non-accredited members may file
motions on when such motions are seconded by three accredited members
3. All motions shall be submitted in writing and must be handed over to the speaker of parliament. They must at all
times
4. No motion or amendment shall be open for discussion until it has been seconded but the proposer shall
have the right to speak on the motion in order to find one.
5. No matter shall be discussed until it concerns an approval to the agenda except with the permission of the
house
6. A motion shall only be opened for discussion or amendment after the proposer and the fellow seconding
have the opportunity to speak in support of the motion. The debate must be limited to the immediately pending
question by the Speaker. The Speaker shall rule out or order any speaker failing to adhere to the subject of
discussion
7. Discussion of a motion (or amendment) may be curtailed in time by a procedural motion from the floor or by
the chair, with the approval of the meeting
8. No motion or amendment which has been accepted by the meeting shall be revoked and neither shall any
addendum be made to a motion once accepted without such consent.
If the Speaker intends to curtail discussion, however, he shall make it clear how much time shall be allowed
provided that the mover and the speaker against such motion shall in all cases have the right to speak if wishing
to do so.
TOTAL REVIEW AND AMENDMENTS
The total review of this constitution after it has been enacted shall be in five years period. The amendment of any
provision in this constitution shall be done as required in this constitution (ARTICLE XV)
ORDER OR PRECEDENCE
The Speaker shall allow the following procedural motions to be put when there is already a proposition on the
table in the following order of precedence:
a.Motion to withdraw motion
b.Motion to recess
c.Motion to reverse the decision of the Speaker
27
1. If the motion that the motion be now voted has been seconded, no further discussion of the original
question shall be allowed, but a member may give notice of his desire to speak further on the original question.
If the motion is carried, only the proposer of the original question under discussed period shall be allowed to
speak before the original question is put to the vote.
2. If the motion to limit debate to a certain specified period of time is carried, the Speaker shall draw up a list
of those wishing to make their first speech on the subject and allow each one an equal proportion of the specified
period. The proposer shall be allowed a maximum of five minutes to sum up before the original motion is put to
vote
3. Should any procedural motion be defeated, 25 minutes hall pass before such a motion can be accepted again
be the Speaker, unless the Speaker is off the opinion that the circumstances have materially altered in the
meantime
OTHER INTERVENTIONS
In addition to discussion on an issue, the speaker shall recognize those requesting the floor by the following
order or precedence
a.Point of order
b.Point of correction
c.Point of information
1. A point of order which must be heard at all times except during the act of voting must deal with the conduct of
procedure of the meeting and concern only such matters as indecorum transgressions of the standing orders,
transgression of the constitution, calling attention to the introduction of a matter not relevant to the question under
consideration an date use of improper language
2. A point of correction shall be a factual presentation seeking to correct a statement made by the last
speaker. It must be strictly related to the subject under immediate discussion
3. If information is desired from or ordered to a person holding ht floor, he may decide whether or not he wish
sot be interrupted at that time
CONDUCT OF A MEETING
1. A speaker shall direct his speech to the issue under discussion. Every member shall address himself solely to
the speaker
2. No member shall be allowed to speak more than once on a motion as long as a member who has not
spoken on that motion desires the floor. No member shall speak for longer that ten minutes at one time
without permission of the speaker
3. Any more standing orders may in case of urgency or after notice duly given, be suspended or changed at any
meting so far as regards business at that particular meetings provided that there is two-thirds majority in favor.
28
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
a. The ruling leadership shall after its last sitting close parliament officially at the venue of
handing over
b. The Chief Justice of the ruling leadership shall swear the Speaker
elect into office
The Speaker will then swear in the new Chief Justice and the new
Chief Justice shall then swear in members of parliament
The new Speaker will officially open the new parliament and close the
business of the day
The out gone executive shall exchange the sword of authority and the
HANDING OVER
This pact is made between the Regent Ghana Citizens. Union of the
_______/________ academic year hereinafter termed the out-going and The Regent Ghana Citizens. Union
of the _____/______ academic year hereinafter termed the incoming headed by Rt.
Hon________________________ and Rt.
Hon._________________________________ respectively.
Now therefore the two parties affirm as follows;
Out-going Affirmation:
We the outgoing Executives and parliament of the Regent Ghana Citizens Union do hereby hand over the
administration of The Regent Ghana Citizens. Union to the in-coming Executives and parliament to serve as the
highest decision making body of the union for the next academic year as established by the constitution being the
ultimate voice of the Regent Ghana Citizens Union.
We affirm our undaunted support and counsel for the in-coming
Executives and Parliament in all ways that may not exceed our capacity and strength as former Honorable
members of the Executive, Members of parliament, Members of the Judiciary and the electoral Commission of
the Regent Ghana Citizens Union.
To this end we bestow unto the in-coming Executive, Members of parliament, and Members of the Judiciary and
the electoral Commission of the Regent Ghana Students Union the legitimate mandate to serve the Regent
Ghana Citizens. Union in all honesty, sincerity, humility and dedication to duty.
We so affirm, God be our helper.
In-comings Affirmation
We the in-coming Executive, Members of parliament, Members of the Judiciary and the electoral Commission
of the Regent Ghana Citizens Union do hereby accept the leadership mandate bestowed upon us by the
constitution and the out-going leadership of The Regent Ghana Citizens Union.
We affirm our dedication to democracy, the rule of law and the promotion and safeguarding of the rights of the
citizens of Regent Ghana, having been mandated and empowered to address issues concerning student
governance and representation with one voice, being the constitution of The Regent Ghana Citizens Union. We
affirm our honesty, sincerity and dedicated service to the Regent Ghana Citizens Union as Honorable members
in the pursuit of our duties in this high office.
In witness whereof, the in-coming and the out-going has caused this pact to be executed in the names of the
respective speakers who have appended their signatures as of this day, month and year as stated herein. Date
(Out-going Speaker)
Date
(In-coming Speaker)
29
PARLIAMENTARY OATHS
OATH OF ALLEGIENCE
I.do (in the name of the
almighty God swear) (solemnly affirm) that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Regent
Ghana Citizens Union as established by law; that I will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of
Regent Ghana and that I will preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the Regent
Ghana Citizens. Parliament. So help me God.
THE SPEAKERS OATH
I. do (in the name of the
almighty God swear) (solemnly affirm) that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Regent
Ghana Citizens Union as established by law; that I will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of
Regent Ghana and that I will preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the Regent
Ghana Citizens. Parliament; and that I will do right to all manner of people in accordance with
the laws and conventions of Regent Ghana and constitution the of the Citizens. Parliament
without fear of favour, affection or ill will. So help me God
OATH OF A MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
I. do (in the name of
the almighty God swear) (solemnly affirm) that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the
Regent Ghana Citizens Union as established by law; that I will uphold the sovereignty and
integrity of Regent Ghana and that I will preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the
Regent Ghana Citizens. Parliament and that I will faithfully and conscientiously discharge the
duties of a Member of Parliament. So help me God
OATH OF A MEMEBR BEFORE A PARLIAMENTARY
COMMITTEE OR COMMISSION OR COUNCIL
I (swear by
Almighty God) (Solemnly affirm) that the evidence I shall give before this committee or
commission or council, touching on the matter in issue shall be the truth, the whole truth and
nothing but the truth. So help me God.
30