Ever Wondered What Goes Down in a BHJCR General Assembly? Let's Break It Down!

Ever Wondered What Goes Down in a BHJCR General Assembly? Let's Break It Down!

"General Assembly meeting." "The 23rd House." You've probably heard these phrases floating around the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), maybe from a course mate rushing off to a meeting. But have you ever stopped to wonder what they actually mean? Or what all the fuss is about?

I'm here to pull back the curtain on one of the most vital organs of student governance at UGBS: the Business House Junior Common Room (BHJCR) General Assembly.

Your Student Government: A Mini-Democracy in Action!

Members of the House during a sitting

Just like at the national level, the BHJCR is structured with a clear separation of powers to ensure effective and accountable student representation. After the annual BHJCR elections, a dedicated group of students are sworn in to serve the good people of the Business School. Yes, we truly have executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government right here at the BHJCR level!

The Executive Arm is led by the President and Vice Presidents (for both main and city campuses), supported by the General Secretary, Financial Controller, Treasurer, Organising Secretary, and the Coordinator. They're responsible for implementing policies and running the day-to-day affairs of the BHJCR.

The Legislative Arm is where the magic of debate and policy-making happens. It's headed by the Main Speaker and supported by the First Deputy Speaker, Second Deputy Speaker and the Clerk. These are the individuals who guide discussions and maintain order during General Assembly sittings.

The Judiciary ensures fairness and upholds the BHJCR constitution, with the Chief Justice at its helm, supported by other Justices.

 Members of the House being sworn in by the Chief Justice

Beyond the Core: Committees that Power the Assembly.

Members of the Judicial Board seated

But the General Assembly isn't just about these core arms of government. It's also comprised of various crucial committees and bodies that contribute to its comprehensive functioning. These include:

The Electoral Commission: Ensuring fair and transparent elections.

The Judicial Board: Upholding justice and interpreting the constitution by adjudicating disputes, while enforcing the constitution.

Association Reps: Advocating for the interests of their respective associations.

Endowment Fund Board: Raising funds through sponsorships to support brilliant but needy students.

The Public Relations Committee: Keeping you informed and engaged.

The Business Journal Board: Content writing and creation.

The Finance Committee: Overseeing the BHJCR's financial health.

The Audit Board : Ensuring financial accountability.

The Council of Course Representatives and Welfare Committee: Bringing the voices of various academic levels to the forefront and addressing the well-being of students.

Together, these bodies and individuals form the vibrant and dynamic ecosystem of the BHJCR General Assembly.

What Happens in a Sitting? Prepare for Parliament in Action! 

An honorable member presenting his grievance

So, what are these sittings for, and how often do they occur? Each semester, there are at least three sittings of the General Assembly. These are crucial forums where issues pertinent to the entire student body of the Business School are deliberated upon, debated, and decisions are made. This is where you see your real student parliamentarians in action.

You might be surprised to see that very quiet lady or gentleman from your class suddenly transform, keenly trying to catch the Speaker's attention to air their grievances or propose solutions on issues they feel aren't quite right.

Imagine this scenario playing out:

The Chief Justice rises to speak: "The Chair of the House, provided the Business Journal Board is tasked with writing, then I propose that they take the minutes for the General Assembly meeting."

Instantly, the Chief Editor objects to the statement: "The Chair of the House, I deem it total disrespect for the Chief Justice to charge us with the duty of taking General Assembly minutes when we are not mandated to do so."

The arguments are on! And in the midst of the passionate discussions, there's always a structured way to present an argument or intervene, primarily through:

Point of Order: This is raised when a member believes that the rules of procedure are being violated. It's about maintaining decorum and adhering to the established rules of debate.

Point of Information: Used when a member wants to provide relevant information that can clarify a point being discussed or add to the current debate.

Point of Correction: This is raised when a member wishes to correct a factual error or a misstatement made by another member during the debate.

Point of order demonstration

These procedural tools ensure that debates are not only lively but also orderly and productive.

Thinking of Joining the Next House?

Chief Auditor( Head of the Audit Board)

If you're considering throwing your hat into the ring for the next BHJCR elections or simply want to be more engaged in student governance, understanding these dynamics is key. You'll need to know these procedural nuances so you're not slacking in the General Assembly amidst the heat of debate.

The BHJCR General Assembly is a fantastic platform for leadership development, critical thinking, and making a real impact on student life at UGBS. So next time you hear about a General Assembly meeting, you'll know exactly what's going on!

Authored By: Emmanuella Mensah.