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
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 was 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.
Decision on the network's website (explore-vc.org/)
After the website was no longer hosted by the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), it was run during the last months - as an interim solution - on a private account. But linking the website to another higher education institution seems sensible, as the website has an academic remit. Above all, the issue of legal liability must be clarified.
Christian was asked whether this would be possible in Weingarten. He therefore asked whether the website is still wanted at all. The question was unanimously answered in the affirmative. The material available on the website is essential for international discourse, and the visibility of the network is very important.
Christian is now clarifying this with his university management. Who will be the webmaster in future (for maintenance as well as for the organisation and management of new content) must be clarified at the next meeting.
Conference in Winneba
Patrique announced that all accepted abstracts will be published in a book of all abstracts book. The final programme can be finalised as soon as it is clear who has actually registered.