The Upper West Regional Ghana Bar Association paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor of the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
The University’s Management team present at the meeting included: Professor Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile, Vice-Chancellor; Professor Issaka Kanton Osumanu, Pro Vice-Chancellor; Mr. Job Asante, Registrar, and Mr. Fidelis Z. Tang, Director in charge of University Relations.
The visiting delegation from the Bar Association comprised Siddique Ubeidu Esq. President; Saeed Abdul Shaqqur Esq. Principal State Attorney; Crispin Ziekah Esq., Secretary. Abdul-Wahab Mohammed Esq, Member; Speratus Ongoh Esq. Member; Dominic Paaga Esq. member and Hafizdeen Ibrahim Esq. Member. The President of the Regional Bar stated that the visit was primarily to pay a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor. In addition, he indicated that the visit was to inform him of two important events:
- First, he informed the Vice-Chancellor about the upcoming National Ghana Bar Association Conference to be held in the Upper West Region, scheduled for September 2025. The Regional Bar Association disclosed that the University’s New Auditorium was being considered as one of the potential venues for the upcoming National Ghana Bar Association Conference. They wanted to know the suitability of the New Auditorium in terms of availability, the quality of furniture, air conditioners/Fans and the general readiness of the space.
- Secondly, the President also announced that the National Executive of the Ghana Bar Association planned to pay a similar courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor on February 27, 2025. In response, Professor Derbile assured the delegation that the University operates on a teamwork model, noting that in his absence, the Pro Vice-Chancellor would be available to receive them.
Welcoming the delegation, Professor Derbile expressed his appreciation for considering SDD-UBIDS as a possible venue to host the upcoming conference. He highlighted the value such event will bring to both students and staff, fostering learning opportunities and contributing to capacity building.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that, while the New Auditorium had previously hosted notable events, there remain minor areas requiring improvements. He assured the Bar Association of Management’s commitment to addressing these issues before the Conference.
Recognising the importance of strengthening ties between the University and the Bar Association, Professor Derbile emphasised the potential for collaboration, especially in advancing the operations of the University’s School of Law. He reiterated that the presence of the Bar Association in the Region presents an opportunity for mutual growth and knowledge sharing.
He further revealed that efforts to strengthen the Law School have resulted in securing Professor John Baloro as the resident Dean, who is expected to officially assume duty in March, 2025.
During the meeting, the Bar Association executives addressed the issue of ongoing litigations involving the University, recommending out-of-court settlements where possible. They cautioned that unresolved litigations can strain relationships and advised the University to prioritise conflict resolution and avoid unnecessary litigations.
The Vice Chancellor in his response acknowledged the wise counsel of the Bar Association and assured them that Management would adopt a strategic approach in addressing the concerns raised. He further hinted that the University Council was expected to be constituted within the next few weeks, which will provide a formal structure for addressing such legal matters and related decisions.
In conclusion, the President of the Upper West Regional Ghana Bar Association, Siddique Ubeidu Esq. expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed the Association’s willingness to collaborate with the University whenever needed. He assured Management that the Bar Association remains open to partnerships that contribute to the development of both the University and the Region.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening ties between SDD-UBIDS and the Regional Ghana Bar Association, ensuring future collaborations in legal education, advocacy, and community development.