The Bissa Student Union of the University of Education (UEW) convened its first general meeting of the semester on Saturday, June 29, 2024, extending an invitation to the Bissa Chief of Gomoa Fetteh, Kir Mustapha Dawuda LenganI, as a special guest.
Over 30 students attended this crucial meeting, bringing together a diverse group of male and female students, both Muslims and non-Muslims, with the President reminding members of their “shared heritage and the bonds” that unite them on campus.
Leading a five-member delegation to the North Campus, Kir LenganI and his team made a special donation to the students, underlining the community’s support for their educational endeavors.
This gathering, marked by both serious discussions and moments of camaraderie, not only addressed current issues but also strengthened the sense of unity among Bissa students at UEW. For some attendees, it marked their first opportunity to meet fellow Bissa students, highlighting the importance of such gatherings in fostering community bonds.
In showing gratitude, the Union President Sofian Jinkor addressed the invited guests, promising to do his best to move the union forward:
“On behalf of the Bissa Students Union of the University of Education, Winneba, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Chief Lengan and his esteemed delegation for honoring our invitation today,” he said. “Your presence here underscores the importance of our union and the strength of our community. I want to assure our distinguished guests that we will work tirelessly towards uniting all Bissa students in our institution.”
He further urged the members to “stand together” while hoping for continued support and collaboration from the community leaders.
“To my fellow Bissa students, I urge you to hold tightly to our flag of unity – the Zekula. Let it remind us of our shared heritage and the bonds that unite us. As we progress in our academic journey, let us not forget the importance of standing together.”
Regarded as the strongest and largest Bissa student body among tertiary institutions, the union’s meeting addressed several pertinent issues affecting the Bissa community, including education, economic empowerment, and societal unity.
Some students voiced concerns about the lack of support for their academic pursuits, calling on leadership bodies such as the Bissa Development Association (BDA) and Bissas in the diaspora for assistance.
They made a clarion call emphasising the need for enhanced opportunities for Bissa students across all levels of schooling.
However the exciting moment came during a self-introduction session where students shared their clan appellations, revealing unexpected connections and deepening their sense of community. Chief Lengani addressed the students on the importance of education and cultural preservation.
Accompanying Kir LenganI were Mohammed Abdul Malik Guerni, the National Deputy Secretary of the BDA and National Coordinator of the Bissa Youth Forum; Shaibu Adam Alale, Chairman of the BDA Greater Accra; and Salifu Issah, an aide to the chief.
And their visit added an extra layer of excitement to the day’s proceedings as he promised to support all Bissa student bodies in the Central region.
Saturday’s event reinforced the union’s reputation as the most active Bissa student body in the country and set the stage for increased support and engagement from community leaders.
With his open door policy to support, the union looks set to continue its pivotal role in fostering education, cultural awareness, and community development among Bissa students.