Minutes of the 32nd meeting
Present: Ebnezer Kow Abraham, Ebenezer Acquah, Paul-Henri Souvenir Assako Assako, Patrique deGraft-Yankson, Osuanyi Essel, Mary Clare Akinyi Kidenda, Runette Kruger, Lydia Muthuma, Avi Sooful, Christian Römmelt, Ernst Wagner, Kamau Wango
Apologies: Juste Constant Onana Amougui, Ruth Belinga, Stefan Eisenhofer, Constanze Kirchner, Lize Kriel, Jane Otieno, Mina Ton, Bernadette Van Haute
Welcome
Avi Sooful welcomed all participants.
Consultation and decision-making on the EVC association's statutes (constitution)
Osuanyi explained the amendments he had proposed to the existing text. The participants took note of these. A general desire was expressed to keep the constitution as simple as possible. However, all requirements under Ghana’s legal framework must, of course, be met. Members now have the opportunity to review the amendments before the next meeting. The constitution is due to be formally adopted at the next meeting.
Election of a new secretary for the Expert Panel
Ernst has served EVC for 10 years and is stepping down as secretary. Ebenezer Kow Abraham, UEW, Ghana, has been put forward as his successor. Patrique introduced him as a suitable candidate. There are no opposing candidates. He was elected unanimously as the new secretary for the Expert Panel. Ernst agrees to work closely with him over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition. Ernst will remain with the EVC as an Expert Panel member.
Decision on the network's website (explore-vc.org/)
The EVC website is currently privately hosted as an interim solution since the termination of an agreement with the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU). The website has an academic remit and should be linked to another higher education institution. Above all, the issue of legal liability must be clarified.
Christian offered to support the hosting costs through Weingarten University after consultation with his university management colleagues. The Panel felt that the material available on the website is essential to international discourse, and the network's visibility is very important. It was for these reasons that the website should be hosted.
EVC will have to discuss at the next meeting the nomination/appointment of a webmaster (for maintenance as well as for the organisation and management of new content).
Conference in Winneba
Patrique announced that all accepted abstracts will be published in a book format. The programme finalisation was dependent on registered participants.
Date of next meeting: tbc
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