The National Union of Ghana Students has appealed to the authorities of the UCC to temper justice with mercy and open the Casely Hayford Hall. The president of the union, Mr. Kweku Tuoho Bombason said the students had shown remorse for what they did which precipitated the closure of the hall. He said the pain the residents of the hall were undergoing was unbearable and appealed to the UCC authorities to prevent a catastrophe by opening the hall. He was speaking at an emergency congress of the NUGS to deliberate on and adopt a strategic plan for the union at the UCC campus. The authorities of the University of Cape Coast closed down the Casford hall following disturbances in the school. The disturbance was precipitated by a clash between residents of the hall and those of Atlantic Hall over misunderstanding during the hall week celebration of Casford. This led to the destruction of property and abduction and assaulting of some students of both halls by the opposing sides. The authorities say the action was to secure life and property in the university as well as maintain discipline, peace and security. But Mr. Bombason says the measure is too extreme as it has dire consequences for the academic work of the students. He said even though the students are allowed to attend lectures and participate in other academic activities, denying them place of residence could impact negatively on their studies. “We are sorry for whatever actions or inactions on the part of our members” he apologised. The former Minister for Water Resources Works and Housing, Mr. Hackman Owusu-Agyeman who was present at the event promised to intervene in the matter. He said he would speak to the Minister of Education Science and Sports to try and find a solution to the crisis. Mr. Owusu-Agyeman cautioned students against militancy, saying the circumstances that made such actions useful tools for resolving issues were no longer existent. Read more on the congress on Tuesday Story by Malik Daabu