By Jane Johnson
The Institute of Public Administration and Management has taken over the presidency of the Academic Staff Association for the first time after the presentation of a certificate to the new president. The handing over ceremony on January 16th 2025 took place at the Amphitheatre of the faculty of Nursing Lightfoot Boston Street in Freetown.
The newly president Desmond Songo Davies whilst delivering his speech centered his message on reconciliation when he stated that he will focus on reconciling the staff of the Union whilst also paying tribute to the out gone executive for steering the affairs of the ASA over the past two years.
He said the past executive laid a solid foundation but express grave concerns over constitutional which he said is a serious crisis that is capable of further dividing the ASA stating that he will adopt what he called an open door dialogue approach with his executive as he puts it ‘we are stronger together’
Mr Davies further appealed to all to be united so that they could address issues that affect them as an Association whilst noting that he will reinforce his commitment on transparency, commitment and appealed on colleagues to embrace when he would refer to as “ movement” and with these shared values their challenges can be addressed
The past president of ASA, Dr Abdulai Karim Mbawah recounted his successes as president with his executive on how they held several meetings to seek the welfare of their colleagues which were mostly addressed including salaries.
The election of the new executive took place on November last year in the constituent colleagues of the USL that was described as free, fair and peaceful .
The ceremony was witnessed by Dons of the University including the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor of the College of Medicines and Allied Health Sciences , amongst others.
