Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has reflected on his days at the University of Ghana, revealing how his experience at Commonwealth Hall helped transform him from a shy young student into a confident public speaker. Speaking at the University of Ghana's graduation ceremony on July 26, 2026, President Mahama said his time in Commonwealth Hall, also known as 'Vandal City', played a major role in shaping his personality.
According to Ghana Web, President Mahama shared that before entering Commonwealth Hall, he was a reserved person who struggled with expressing himself. However, the activities and culture of the hall helped him become more outgoing. He recounted, "I ended up in Vandal City, a very shy young man. Today, if I can stand before 100,000 people and say whatever I want, it is what Commonwealth Hall made me into. It made me an extrovert; it made me expressive."
President Mahama also recalled some of the memorable experiences at Commonwealth Hall during his student days. "I participated in all the activities of Commonwealth Hall, including ponding people and singing at our Bacchus Shrine," he noted.
He further mentioned sharing a room with Yaw Ayeboafo, a renowned journalist, academic, and former Chairman of the National Media Commission, during his undergraduate studies at the University of Ghana. "836 was my first room, and I shared the room with Yaw Boadu Ayeboafo of the Graphic Corporation," he narrated.
Commonwealth Hall is recognized as the first and only male hall at the University of Ghana, Legon. Residents of the hall are known as VANDALS, an acronym for VIVACIOUS, AFFABLE, NEIGHBORLY, DEVOTED, ALTRUISTIC, and LOYAL.
The ceremony also saw Chief of Staff Julius Debrah among the graduates. Mr. Debrah graduated with a PhD in Museum and Heritage Studies from the University of Ghana.