I attended my first KNUST University Council Meeting

sometime in June 2011. It was actually a retreat at Lake

Bosomtwi. Before the scheduled date, i had gathered as
much Intelligence as possible on every member of KNUST's
highest decision making body, including its Chairman, PV
Obeng.

Already, i was aware that he was in his days at KNUST,
JCR President for University Hall, Katanga and
subsequently, SRC President. I was also reliably informed
that PV was very smart and works well with smart guys.

I thought to myself, if PV was once in the position i was in
at the time, then he must understand a student leaders
perspective and plight better. There were some pressing
issues at the time, principal amongst which included a
directive barring the admittance of any continuing student
into the traditional halls of residence. This was a looming
danger. School fees had gone up by about 5%. We had a
hostel to complete and commission. There was a lot we
wanted to achieve through partnership. I needed allies at
the top, i wanted to make PV my strongest ally.

Council was in session, Emmanuel Bentum Annan, the
GRASAG President and i were introduced and were asked
to make preliminary comments. I rose to speak. I
highlighted the projects the SRC intended to embark upon,
i expressed the resolute commitment of the SRC to work
with the University as partners towards the realisation of
common goals and i promised a departure from the ills
that had sometimes characterised student leadership. I
was yet to conclude when PV interrupted. He didn't do
that verbally, he did that with a gesture. He clapped. I
concluded with my preliminary remarks and the day's
meeting continued. I learnt a lot, especially from PV. After
the day's meeting, i met with PV informally. Of the many
things we spoke about, two things stood out: I had an ally
and i had a mentor.

School fees was re-visited and the earlier directive baring
accommodation for continuing students in the traditional
halls of residence was reverted. He passed with distinction
what i call my test of the genuineness of his  comradeship.
Today you are no more. You have visited the land of the
Spirits. Tell them, tell Nkrumah, tell Busia, RP Baffour and

Komla Dumor. Tell Prof Mills and Prof Andam, in fact tell
the many fallen heroes of our country that we are striving
to make our nation better. Tell them that we miss them
and shall continue to pray for them. Tell them we are
carrying on from where they stopped
PV, while you deliver this message to them, take this as
mine to you: Thank you. Thank you for your glorious
service to our University. Thank you for your tireless work
for our country. Thank you for your services to humanity.
Rest In Peace Paul Victor Obeng. The journey will
remain # FORWARD. By Philemon Laar, SRC President 2011/12, KNUST