CONSTITUTION OF THE SEFWI – ASAWINSO DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (SADA)
PREAMBLE
We, the people of Sefwi-Asawinso, in recognition of the need to promote development and the welfare of our community, establish the Sefwi-Asawinso Development Association (SADA). This association is founded on the principles of unity, transparency, and accountability, with the primary goal of fostering sustainable development in our community.
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ARTICLE 1
NAME, MOTTO, AND SLOGAN
1.1 Name: The association shall be known as the Sefwi-Asawinso Development Association (SADA).
1.2 Acronym: SADA.
1.3 Motto and Slogan:
- Motto: Unity in Progress.
- Slogan: “SADA: Rising Together.”
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ARTICLE 2
VISION, MISSION, AND OBJECTIVES
2.1 Vision:
To be a leading force in the sustainable development of Sefwi-Asawinso, ensuring that the community’s resources are utilized effectively for the benefit of all its inhabitants.
2.2 Mission Statement:
SADA is committed to advocating for development, supporting the vulnerable, and promoting transparency and accountability in all aspects of community life.
2.3 Objectives:
- To initiate and support development projects in Sefwi-Asawinso.
- To advocate for the welfare of all community members, especially the vulnerable.
- To promote transparency and accountability in the management of community resources.
- To ensure that all citizens are treated equally and that community assets are protected.
- To foster unity and cooperation among all members of the community.
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ARTICLE 3
MEMBERSHIP
3.1 Eligibility:
Membership is open to all natives of Sefwi-Asawinso, residents, and those who own property or businesses in the community.
3.2 Registration:
To become a member, one must fill out the registration form and pay the required registration fee.
3.3 Rights and Privileges:
- Registered members with a valid SADA ID card are entitled to the benefits of the association.
- Members have the right to participate in all activities and to vote in elections.
3.4 Responsibilities:
- Members must abide by the rules and regulations of the association.
- Members are expected to contribute to the development of the community and support the activities of the association.
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ARTICLE 3.5
MEMBERSHIP FOR DIASPORA RESIDENTS
3.5.1 Eligibility:
Membership is also open to natives of Sefwi-Asawinso who are currently residing outside the community or in the diaspora. They must fulfill the same registration requirements as local members.
3.5.2 Rights and Privileges:
- Diaspora members have the same rights and privileges as local members, including the right to vote and participate in all association activities.
- They are eligible to receive benefits provided by the association, just like local members, as long as they are registered and possess a valid SADA ID card.
3.5.3 Responsibilities:
- Diaspora members are expected to contribute to the development of Sefwi-Asawinso by supporting the association’s initiatives financially or through other means.
- They are also expected to abide by the rules and regulations of the association.
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ARTICLE 4
POLITICAL NEUTRALITY
4.1 Non-political Organization:
SADA is a non-political organization. While members may hold political positions outside of the association, any attempt to introduce politics into SADA’s activities will lead to the removal of the offending member.
4.2 Founder’s Authority:
The founder holds the right to intervene if any leader attempts to politicize the association.
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ARTICLE 5
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
5.1 Composition:
The Executive Committee shall consist of the following:
a. President:
i. Leads the association and represents it at all official functions.
ii. Ensures the smooth running of all association activities.
b. Vice President:
i. Assists the President in carrying out their duties.
ii. Acts in the absence of the President.
c. General Secretary:
i. Responsible for keeping records of all meetings and correspondence.
ii. Coordinates all activities of the association.
d. Treasurer:
i. Manages the financial affairs of the association.
ii. Prepares financial reports for the association.
e. Founder:
i. Holds ultimate authority over the vision and direction of the association.
ii. Has the power to veto decisions that go against the founding principles of SADA.
iii. Acts as a guardian of the association’s mission and vision.
iv. Can override any decision made by the Executive Committee if it is deemed to be against the interests of the association.
f. Other Officers as deemed necessary by the association.
5.2 Duties:
Each member of the Executive Committee is expected to work in the best interest of the association and the community. The Founder has the authority to intervene if any member fails to perform their duties.
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ARTICLE 6:
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
6.1 Composition:
The Advisory Board consists of experienced professionals, community leaders, and other distinguished members of society who provide guidance and support to the Executive Committee.
6.2 Duties:
- To offer advice on strategic decisions.
- To help in the implementation of development projects.
- To mediate disputes within the association.
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ARTICLE 7
COMMITTEES
7.1 Standing Committees:
- Development Projects Committee: Responsible for planning and executing development initiatives.
- Finance and Fundraising Committee: Manages fundraising efforts and oversees financial planning.
- Youth and Sports Committee: Engages the youth and organizes sports activities to promote unity and development.
- Discipline Committee: Ensures compliance with SADA’s code of conduct and handles disciplinary matters.
- Legal Team: Provides legal guidance and support to SADA.
7.2 Ad-hoc Committees:
Formation: Committees shall be established by the Executive Committee based on the needs of the Association.
Members may volunteer or be appointed to committees based on their skills and interests.
7.3 Committee Duties:
Committees are responsible for fulfilling their respective mandates and reporting to the Executive Committee. They have the authority to plan events, manage resources, and recommend actions to the Executive Committee.
7.4 Discipline Committee
- Composition:
The Discipline Committee shall be made up of respected members of the association who are known for their fairness and integrity.
- Duties:
- To investigate cases of misconduct within the association.
- To recommend disciplinary actions to the Executive Committee.
iii. To ensure that all members adhere to the rules and regulations of the association.
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ARTICLE 8
LEGAL TEAM
8.1 Composition:
The Legal Team shall consist of qualified legal practitioners who are members of the association.
8.2 Duties:
- To provide legal advice to the association.
- To ensure that the association’s activities are in compliance with the law.
- To represent the association in legal matters.
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ARTICLE 9
VOTING
9.1 Eligibility:
Only registered members with a valid SADA ID card are eligible to vote in elections.
9.2 Voting Process:
Elections shall be conducted by secret ballot, and the candidate with the most votes shall be declared the winner.
9.3 Frequency:
Elections shall be held every three years unless otherwise decided by the Executive Committee.
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ARTICLE 10
OATH OF SECRECY
10.1 Mandatory Oath:
All members of the Executive Committee and other officeholders must take an Oath of Secrecy, pledging to keep all sensitive information confidential.
10.2 Consequences:
Any breach of the Oath of Secrecy shall be met with disciplinary action, including possible removal from office.
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ARTICLE 11
FINANCES
11.1 Sources of Funding:
The association shall be funded through registration fees, donations, fundraising activities, and other lawful means.
11.2 Financial Accountability:
The Treasurer shall keep accurate records of all financial transactions and present regular reports to the association.
11.3 Use of Funds:
Funds shall be used solely for the purpose of achieving the association’s objectives.
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ARTICLE 12
BENEFITS
12.1 Eligibility:
Benefits are available to registered members with a valid SADA ID card before anyone else.
12.2 Types of Benefits:
- Access to association-sponsored development projects.
- Priority in community support programs.
- Eligibility for association-sponsored scholarships and grants.
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ARTICLE 13
DISSOLUTION
13.1 Decision to Dissolve:
The association may be dissolved by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present at a general meeting.
13.2 Distribution of Assets:
In the event of dissolution, all assets shall be transferred to the community. Any remaining funds shall be donated to the poor, needy, or orphanages.
13.3 Final Resolution:
After all assets have been allocated, any remaining funds will be distributed to the community’s poor and needy or donated to an orphanage.
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ARTICLE 14
AMENDMENTS
14.1 Proposals:
Amendments to this constitution may be proposed by any member of the association.
14.2 Approval:
Proposed amendments must be approved by a two-thirds majority of the members present at a general meeting.
14.3 Implementation:
Once approved, amendments shall take effect immediately unless otherwise.