AAN Constitution

The Network is established to achieve the following aims and objectives:

• Maintain a lifelong connection between the Assinman Nursing and Midwifery Training College and its graduates.
• Support the professional development of members through networking, mentorship, continuing education, and clinical knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to the growth and development of the alma mater through donations, advocacy, infrastructure support, and community engagement.
• Promote the welfare and wellbeing of members and their families through structured support programmes.
• Uphold the reputation and image of Assinman Nursing and Midwifery Training College within Ghana and beyond.
• Foster unity, solidarity, and professional pride among all graduates of the institution.
• Advocate for the improvement of nursing and midwifery practice, education, and policy in Ghana.
• Collaborate with relevant professional bodies, healthcare institutions, and development partners for the advancement of the nursing profession.

Section 1 — Eligibility

Membership of the Network shall be open to all individuals who have successfully completed a recognised course of study at Assinman Nursing and Midwifery Training College.

Section 2 — Categories of Membership

• Full Member: Any graduate who has completed registration and is current with all prescribed dues. Full members shall have full voting rights and access to all benefits.
• Associate Member: Any individual with a significant connection to the college, including former staff or collaborating professionals. Associate members shall not have voting rights.
• Honorary Member: Any distinguished individual conferred honorary membership by a two-thirds majority vote at the AGM. Honorary members shall not pay dues and shall not have voting rights.

Section 3 — Member in Good Standing

A "Member in Good Standing" is a Full Member who is registered with the Network, current with all fees and dues, and has not been subject to any unresolved disciplinary action.

Section 4 — Rights of Members

• Attend and vote at all General Meetings of the Network.
• Contest and hold any elective office, subject to eligibility conditions.
• Access welfare support and benefits as provided under this Constitution.
• Receive information about the activities and finances of the Network.
• Raise matters of concern at General Meetings.

Section 5 — Responsibilities of Members

• Abide by this Constitution and all lawful decisions of the Network.
• Pay all prescribed dues and levies promptly.
• Conduct themselves with professionalism, respect, and dignity in all Network activities.
• Protect and promote the image and reputation of the Network and the alma mater.
• Support the objectives and programmes of the Network actively.

Section 6 — Cessation of Membership

A member shall cease to be a member upon written resignation, failure to pay dues for two consecutive years without approved exemption, or upon expulsion following due disciplinary process.

Section 1 — Executive Committee

The Network shall be governed by an Executive Committee consisting of the following officers:

Section 2 — Term of Office

All executive officers shall serve a term of two (2) years from the date of their inauguration. An officer may be re-elected for four (4) additional terms. No officer shall hold the same position for more than five consecutive terms.

Section 3 — Resignation from Office

An executive officer wishing to resign shall submit a written resignation letter to the General Secretary and the President at least thirty (30) days before the effective date of resignation.

Section 4 — Removal from Office

An executive officer may be removed by a two-thirds majority vote at a General Meeting, provided that written notice has been circulated at least fourteen (14) days in advance and the officer has been given an opportunity to address the meeting.

Section 5 — Succession and Vacancy

• The Vice President shall assume the role of President if the Presidency becomes vacant.
• For any other vacancy, the Executive Committee shall appoint a suitable Full Member in good standing to serve in an acting capacity until a by-election is conducted within sixty (60) days.

Section 1 — Electoral Authority

All elections shall be conducted by the Electoral Commissioner, who shall act with full independence and impartiality. The Electoral Commissioner shall not contest any elective position during their tenure.

Section 2 — Eligibility to Contest

• Be a Full Member in good standing for a minimum of one (1) year prior to the election.
• Not be subject to any unresolved disciplinary action.
• Meet any additional requirements specified for the particular office.

Section 3 — Nomination Procedures

• Nominations opened at least thirty (30) days before the scheduled election date.
• Submitted in writing to the Electoral Commissioner on the prescribed nomination form.
• Supported by the signatures of at least three (3) Full Members in good standing.
• Accompanied by a written acceptance of nomination signed by the candidate.

Section 4 — Voting Process

Elections shall be conducted by secret ballot at the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting convened for that purpose. Results shall be recorded in writing and signed by the Electoral Commissioner and at least two independent witnesses.

Section 6 — Dispute Resolution

Any complaint arising from the elections process shall be submitted in writing to the Electoral Commissioner within forty-eight (48) hours of the declaration of results. The decision of the independent panel shall be final and binding.

Section 1 — Sources of Funds

• Registration fees payable upon joining the Network.
• Annual membership dues as determined by the General Assembly.
• Approved levies and special contributions.
• Voluntary donations from members, friends, and well-wishers.
• Fundraising activities and events organised by the Network.
• Grants, endowments, and support from partner organisations.

Section 3 — Signatories

The mandatory signatories to the Network's bank account shall be the President, the Treasurer, and the General Secretary. Any two of the three signatories must sign for any transaction to be valid.

Section 4 — Spending Approval Thresholds

Section 7 — Financial Year

The financial year of the Network shall run from 1st January to 31st December of each year.

Section 1 — Eligibility

Only Full Members in good standing for a minimum of six (6) months shall be eligible for welfare packages and support from the Network.

Section 2 — Categories of Welfare Support

• Bereavement Support — Upon the death of a Member in good standing, or the death of their spouse, the Network shall provide a bereavement contribution as determined by the Executive Committee.
• Critical Illness and Incapacitation — Support provided when a Full Member is hospitalised for a serious illness or becomes incapacitated.
• Emergency Medical Support — Emergency medical assistance for Full Members facing acute medical crises, subject to availability of funds.
• Other Support Initiatives — Additional welfare initiatives as recommended by the Welfare Committee.

Section 1 — Annual General Meeting (AGM)

The AGM is the highest decision-making body of the Network and shall be held once every year. Notice shall be communicated to all members at least twenty-one (21) days in advance.

Section 2 — Special General Meeting

May be convened by the President, or by a written petition signed by at least twenty-five percent (25%) of Full Members in good standing. Notice period: at least fourteen (14) days.

Section 4 — Virtual Meetings

Meetings may be held virtually through approved digital platforms when circumstances require, provided that all members are duly notified and given access to the platform.

Section 6 — Quorum

The quorum for a General Meeting shall be thirty percent (30%) of all Full Members in good standing. The quorum for an Executive Committee meeting shall be a simple majority of all executive officers.

Section 2 — Standards of Conduct

• Treat fellow members, officers, and guests with courtesy and respect regardless of rank, gender, background, or opinion.
• Refrain from any conduct that brings the Network or the alma mater into disrepute.
• Not engage in any form of discrimination, harassment, bullying, or intimidation.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive Network information and decisions where required.
• Declare any conflict of interest and recuse themselves from related decisions.
• Comply with all lawful decisions and resolutions of the Network.

Section 3 — Social Media and Public Communication

Members shall exercise responsibility and professionalism in all public and social media communications relating to the Network. Members shall not make false, defamatory, or harmful statements about the Network, its officers, or alma mater on any platform.

Section 1 — Grounds for Disciplinary Action

• Misconduct or behaviour unbecoming of a member of the Network.
• Violation of this Constitution or any lawful resolution of the Network.
• Misappropriation or mismanagement of Network funds or resources.
• Fraudulent, dishonest, or corrupt conduct in connection with Network affairs.
• Persistent failure to fulfil membership obligations without approved exemption.
• Actions that bring the Network or the alma mater into disrepute.

Section 3 — Sanctions

• Written warning.
• Suspension from Network activities for a specified period.
• Suspension from office for a specified period.
• Removal from office, subject to ratification by a General Meeting.
• Expulsion from the Network, subject to ratification by a two-thirds majority at a General Meeting.

Section 4 — Right of Appeal

A member subject to disciplinary sanction may appeal in writing to the General Assembly within fourteen (14) days of receiving the Executive Committee's decision. The General Assembly's decision shall be final and binding.

Section 3 — Supremacy of the Constitution

This Constitution is the supreme governing document of the Network. All decisions, policies, and actions of the Network shall be consistent with this Constitution. Any decision or action that contradicts this Constitution shall be null and void.

Section 1 — Amendment Process

This Constitution may be amended at an AGM or Special General Meeting by a two-thirds majority vote of Full Members present and voting, provided that:

• The proposed amendment has been submitted in writing to the General Secretary at least thirty (30) days before the meeting.
• The proposed amendment has been circulated to all members at least twenty-one (21) days before the meeting.

Section 1 — Dissolution Process

The Network may be dissolved only by a resolution passed by a three-quarters majority of all Full Members in good standing, at a Special General Meeting convened specifically for that purpose, with at least thirty (30) days notice given to all members.

Section 2 — Disposal of Assets

In the event of dissolution, all assets and funds remaining after settlement of all obligations shall be transferred to the Assinman Nursing and Midwifery Training College, or to a charitable nursing organisation in Ghana as determined by the dissolution meeting.