After the opening prayer, the chairman for the occasion. Mr. Leonard Dapaah briefed the house about TIG and the agenda for the meeting was shared to members for their thorough perusal. This was followed by general introduction of members present.
The chairman gave the podium to TIG Country Coordinator (Ghana) Mr. Ezekiel Kevin Annan to explain further what TIG stands for and strategies which has been put in place to move ITGlobal forward – the prospects and how we can work together to assist each other as a youth. He went further to read out an interview that he was involved in to the members. He also gave the goal of his Team (i.e. TIG Ghana) as far the youths are concerned. Furthermore, the coordinator briefed the house about how TIG itself started, where it has reached now, and the heights it wants to attain in the near future.
After his briefing the members were also given the opportunity to ask questions and make their contributions. A member (Konadu Yebaoh) wanted to know why the network is art-oriented and what science can also do to advance the course of TIG. Ezekiel explicitly explained this. He cited examples such as using writing as a form of ones contribution to TIG. In adding his voice to the explanation, the chairman also cited an instance where only 0.6% of our dreams are exploited hence TIG is not for the artist alone. The coordinator took his turn again and dilated on TIG and showed members a write-up that he and Dapaah have come out with. This he said, is on the website and members in other parts of the world have expressed interest to publish it for them. Ethics of TIG were also dilated on. Dapaah stressed on investing in our lives with TIG and used the globe to explain how we can coordinate around the world. He again touched on registration of members and the procedures we should take.
During the brainstorming section, Dora expressed that being a member should attract a fee because the group will need money for stationary charges. Joana also added her voice to it to second her opinion. In addition Dapaah came out with the idea that the cost of I.D Cards should be inclusive in the fee. He showed the whole group a sample/miniature of the I.D card to the members. He further explained that it will bear code number, name and expiry date. The other of his argument was that new members during a conference would have I.D’s which will take a different form. The house initially agreed to pay Ë 5,000 for both the registrations and the I.D card but upon another concensus, it was however established that it should be at least Ë 10,000 and that Joana should assist the house in the costing of the I.D. This presupposes that the cost of the I.D will be added to the amount that the group may decide on for the registration fee. The idea of costing the I.D for the next meeting was brought up by Tony. It was agreed upon that Joana does the costing of the I.D for later discussions. Konadu expressed the feeling of the students especially those at the Junior Secondary School level. Dues, according to Dapaah, who was the chairman for the occasion, should be paid yearly. In furtherance of this, it was agreed upon that the paying of dues (i.e. The amount to be paid) could take a different criteria hence subject to change.
Concerning the venue, days, time etc for meeting schedules, Joana made a suggestion that Sunday will be appropriate but it was opposed by Dora who said that Sundays are used as preparation days for the following school week. Arafat expressed concern about the boaders but the chairman emphatically stated that people in that category are potential coordinators at their respective schools. There was a controversy on Sunday/ Saturday and voting indicated that 7 members were in favour of Sunday as against 5 for Saturday. However there was one person who was not indifferent to the motion. Hence the agreed day was Sunday. On the number of times to meet some were of the view that twice a month will be good while others said once. Reasons were demanded from members and once a month was agreed upon with the main reason being that activities of TIG do not end after a meeting (i.e. It is ongoing and emergency meetings can crop up any time). Dora said seeking a venue that will be given for free or at a fee at chemusec should be considered. Konadu also mentioned the Tema Municipal Centre (TDC) Park with some canopies. Tony promised to seek a place at Roman Church for the group. The chairman dilated on the project and how members should make it their priority to come out with ideas and other projects.
There was a struggle on whether or not the project that the chairman in his capacity decided that we postpone it to our next meeting. This was supported by other members because most of the members were not around. Frank Yeboah was elected as the school Rep for Augustine’s College while Brew Acquah was also elected as the Chemusec and Community 7 Rep. Respectively. Joana was elected Community 9 Rep, Sarah was selected to assist her whereas Dora was selected for Community 1. Finally, the chairman stressed on board of Governors and members were also asked to notify other members about the election of executives and planning committee for the December Conference. The later part of the agenda was brought to a halt and Dora seconded the motion. The closing prayer was said by Sarah. The meeting ended around 3:30 pm. Appiah – Korang Akyeampong TIG (Ghana Creative writer)