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THE CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE 1 – NAME

The association shall be known and called the Ghana Association of Registered Medical Sonographers-GARMS (hereinafter referred to as “THE ASSOCIATION’)

ARTICLE 2 – GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

  1. To promote an advocate for best practice in medical sonography.
  2. To foster the spirit of unity among all Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Ghana and in the world at large.
  3. To foster the spirit of unity among all professionals with an interest in ultrasound in Ghana and the world at large.
  4. To promote good health among all people through the development and maintenance of the highest possible standard of healthcare delivery in Ghana.
  5. To educate the community about sonography, sonographers, and other medical professionals who use ultrasound.
  6. To seek the total welfare of all members of the association.
  7. To maintain the honor, dignity, and professionalism of the practice of Diagnostic Medical Sonography in Ghana.
  8. To exercise professional supervision over members to maintain high standards of professional competence and conduct.

To remain true to the philosophy of the association in carrying out its activities at all times.

ARTICLE 3 – MEMBERSHIP

  1. Membership of the Association shall be open to all Diagnostic Medical Sonography professionals registered and certified by the Ghana Allied Health Professional Council or a statutory body responsible for the registration of Diagnostic Medical Sonography practitioners in Ghana.
  2. All registered healthcare practitioners with an interest in the use of ultrasound in patient care and management can be selected as associate members.
  3. A qualified Diagnostic Medical Sonography practitioner resident abroad, who is registrable by the Ghana Allied Health Professional Council, can be registered as a foreign member of the Association.
  4. Each member shall pay to the association fees or dues and fulfill other conditions (s) as shall be prescribed by the Association.
  5. A member is deemed to be in good standing if such a member has discharged all financial obligations as laid down by the Association.
  6. All members shall be assigned to one of the following classes of membership:
    A. Active
    B. Associate/Retired
    C. Student
    D. Supporting
    E. Corporate/Business/Institution
    F. Honorary

QUALIFICATIONS

  1. An Active Member shall be a healthcare professional holding current registration by a national sonography credentialing body recognized by the National Executive Council and involved in the practice of sonography, sonography education, clinical management, research, or commercial activities. An Active Member shall have all benefits granted by the Association and shall have the right to vote and hold an executive office.
  2. An Associate Member shall be a healthcare provider who is involved in the practice of sonography but who does not meet the requirements or qualifications of an Active Member. An Associate Member shall have all benefits granted by the Association, including the right to vote, but shall not have the right to hold an elective office.
  3. Student Member is open to students’ representatives in accredited institutions who are studying Diagnostic Medical Sonography and must be considered as Student Members until completion of the educational program. A Student Member shall have all benefits granted by the Association, but not be eligible to vote. A Student Member shall not hold any executive office aside from a Student Representative.
    Dues and registration fees for the Association meetings, conferences, and workshops shall be specially priced for Student Members and shall be determined by the National Executive Council.
  4. A Supporting Member shall be an individual who is not involved in the practice of sonography but supports the philosophies and goals of the Association. A Supporting Member shall have all benefits granted by the Association, but shall not have the right to vote, hold elective office, or be elevated to a Fellow.
  5. A Corporate/Business/Institution (CBI) Member must be a commercial firm or business involved in the manufacture and sale of ultrasound equipment and/or accessories, or a formal publication related to sonography, OR an institution involved in education and training related to sonography. A CBI Member shall be permitted to take part in the proceedings and functions of the Association, as the National Executive Council deems fit, but shall not have the right to vote, hold elective office, or be elevated to a Fellow.
  6. Honorary Membership of the Association may be accorded to individuals and groups as may be decided by the General Assembly, and the conditions thereof shall be determined by the General Assembly. Honorary Membership may be awarded to any personality, in the opinion of the General Assembly, who has rendered significant service to the Association or any of the objectives on which the Association is formed. An Honorary Member shall be permitted to take part in the proceedings and functions of the Association, as the National Executive Council deems fit, but shall not have the right to vote unless such a member has already been an Active Member or Fellow. Honorary Members shall not be liable to pay any admission fee or any subscription to the Association. Past presidents may be honored as such, but are not eligible to hold any elected office.

ARTICLE 4 – ORGANIZATION

The association shall have a hierarchical structure with clearly defined functions and relationships as follows:

  1. General Assembly: The General Assembly shall be the highest decision-making body of the association.
  2. National Executive Council: There shall be a National Executive Council (hereinafter referred to as “THE COUNCIL”), which shall be responsible to and derive its powers from the General Assembly.
  3. Divisions: The members of the Association shall be grouped into local bodies known as Divisions, which shall be directly responsible to the National Executive Council and subsequently to the General Assembly at large.
  4. Committees: The Association shall have committees and sub-committees to facilitate its work at the various levels.
  5. National Secretariat: The Association shall have a National Secretariat to be housed at the headquarters of the Association.

ARTICLE 5 – GENERAL ASSEMBLY

  1. The General Assembly shall comprise members of the Association in good standing who have satisfied the processes and conditions of registration to participate in a general meeting convened by this constitution.
  2. The General Assembly shall:
  3. Consider matters affecting the national and global interest of the Association.
  4. Receive and approve the Council and other relevant reports, financial statement(s), and audited accounts of the Association.
  5. Appoint auditors for the ensuing year.
  6. Consider other businesses as the Council may recommend.
  7. The General Assembly shall elect the appropriate members of the Council by the provisions of this constitution.
  8. Notwithstanding the provisions of Articles 4 (1) and 5 (2a–2d), the General Assembly may at its meeting delegate the execution of a specified action to the Council or other bodies with appropriate conditions.

ARTICLE 6 – NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

  1. The governing body of the Association shall be the National Executive Council (referred to as THE COUNCIL)
  1. The Council shall consist of the following members:
    a. The President
    b. Vice President
    c. Immediate Past President
    d. General Secretary
    e. Assistant General Secretary
    f.Financial Secretary
    g. All Regional Branch Chairpersons
    . Two non-office holders, one of whom shall be a woman
  2. The President, Vice President, Immediate Past President, General Secretary, Assistant General Secretary, and the Financial Secretary shall constitute the National Executive Committee (NEC).
  3. The National Executive Committee (NEC) shall be responsible for the Administration and Management of the affairs of the Association under the direction of the Council and in line with the provisions of this constitution.
  4. No member of the Council shall hold a position on the Divisional Executive Committee EXCEPT the Divisional Chairman.

ARTICLE 7 – FUNCTIONS

A. FUNCTIONS OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

  1. The Council shall be the governing body of the Association.
  2. It shall be the trustees of the funds and properties of the Association.
  3. It shall appoint individuals to serve on committees and panels.
  4. It shall determine benefits and privileges for persons in a position of trust, authority, and respect.
  5. It shall have the power to appoint individuals or special committees to deal with specific problems.
  6. These individuals or special committees set by the Council shall answer directly to the Council and shall operate within specific work definitions and a time frame.
  7. It shall see to it that resolutions passed at Congress shall conform to the Constitution.
  8. It shall be responsible for convening the annual congress.

B. FUNCTIONS OF MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

1. The President shall:

  1. Be the Chief Executive Officer of the association
  2. Convene Congress and Council meetings
  3. Shall preside at all national meetings of the Association, i.e., Council, Annual General Meeting, Ordinary General Meetings at which he/she is present.
  4. Shall be the spokesperson of the Association, unless the Council delegates a person or committee to address a specific subject related to the matter.
  5. Lead the Association to local and international meetings unless otherwise determined by the Council.
  6. Have a casting vote in the event of a tie in voting.
  7. Be a signatory to the Association’s account and all official documents issued in the name of the Association.
  8. Be responsible in conjunction with the Council for the effective and smooth functioning of the Association at all levels.

2. The Vice President shall:

  1. Assist the President in the discharge of his/her responsibilities.
  2. Be directly responsible to the President.
  3. Act as Deputy in the absence of the President.
  4. Coordinate the work of the committees.
  5. Carry out responsibilities specifically assigned by the President or the Council.

3. The immediate Past President shall:

  1. Avail his/her experience and knowledge in other offices to effectively advise the Council where appropriate.
  2. Perform such duties as the Council or the General Assembly may decide.

4. The General Secretary shall:

  1. Directly oversee and supervise the administration of the National Secretariat.
  2. Ensure that minutes of all national meetings are accurately recorded and kept.
  3. Present the Council Report covering the activities of the Association for the year to the Annual General Meeting.
  4. In conjunction with the President and/or the Council, deal with all correspondence and transact other business as assigned specifically by the President or the Council.

5. The Assistant General Secretary shall:

  1. Assist the General Secretary in the performance of his/her duties.
  2. In the absence of the General Secretary, performs his/her duties.
  3. Perform such duties as would be assigned specifically by the General Secretary or the Council.

6. The Financial Secretary:

  1. Keep books of accounts of the Association and proper records about the accounts.
  2. Be a signatory to the Association’s account.
  3. Prepare the annual budget of the Association for consideration by the Council and final approval at the Annual General Meeting.
  4. Ensure that the accounts of the Association are maintained in reputable and recognized bank(s) as the Council shall determine.
  5. Chair the Finance Committee.
  6. Monitor the income and expenditure of the Association to periodically advise and update the Finance and General Purpose Committee, as well as the Council.
  7. Ensure that the accounts of the Association for the previous financial year are audited at least two months before the date of the Annual General Meeting and presented to the General Assembly after consideration by the Council.

7. Other members of the Council shall:

  1. Be responsible for duties specifically assigned by the President or the Council.
  2. Be responsible to the group(s) they represent on the Council and serve as liaison between the group(s) and the Council, where applicable.
  3. Effectively report to the group(s) and the Council, where applicable, with information on all relevant issues arising out of meetings on the other side.
  4. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article, the Council may assign specific duties to individual members of the Council.

C. NEUTRALITY OF THE PROFESSION

  1. An elected officer or employee of the Association at all levels shall not hold office in a political party or address a rally organized by a political party while holding the said office.
  2. If there is any breach of the above statement, the officer in question shall resign immediately.

ARTICLE 8 – OTHER OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION

1. The Editor-In-Chief shall:

  1. Be appointed by the Council
  2. Be the head of the Editorial Committee.
  3. Together with the Editorial Committee, oversee and supervise the content of all publications of the Association.n
  4. Perform relevant duties as the Council or General Assembly may determine.

2. The Public Relations Officer (PRO) shall:

  1. Be appointed by the Council
  2. Assist and advise on the public relations business of the Association.
  3. Perform such relevant duties as assigned by the Council, the President, or the General Assembly, but take due cognizance of the power of the three in any conflicting directive(s).

3. The council may appoint other officers as the General Assembly determines.

ARTICLE 9 – NATIONAL SECRETARIAT

  1. The National Secretariat shall consist of the appropriate staff, as the Council may deem necessary to employ or appoint.
  2. The Council shall determine the remuneration and other conditions of service for the staff of the Secretariat.
  3. The General Secretary shall be the head and oversee the administration of the Secretariat.
  4. The Secretariat shall
  5. Keep all records of the Association
  6. Ensure the proper keeping of accounts, preparation, and production of reports of the Association.
  7. Generally, you carry out the directives of the Council.

ARTICLE 10 – THE DIVISIONS

  1. There shall be Divisions of the Association as the Council may recommend for the approval by the General Assembly. The Division of the Association as constituted at the time of adoption of this constitution shall be recognized as such.
  2. Every member who resides within the geographical area of a division shall belong to that division unless he/she decides otherwise, and it is subject to approval by the division he/she wishes to belong to.
  3. Any member of the Association who is resident abroad and expects to remain abroad shall remain a registered member of the Division he/she last belonged to or the Division of his/her choice by a signed notification, until his/her return to the country.
  4. No member of the Association shall belong to more than one Division at a time.
  5. Subject to this constitution and the bye-laws of the Association, the Divisions shall have the authority to make such rules and regulations as are considered necessary but not inconsistent with this constitution and the bye-laws of the Association.

ARTICLE 11 – THE DIVISIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

  1. Every Division shall have a governing body to be known as the Divisional Executive Committee (herein referred to as DEC)
  2. The DEC shall consist of a maximum of 11 members, namely:
  3. Divisional Chairman
  4. Divisional Vice-Chairman
  5. Immediate Past Chairman
  6. Divisional Secretary
  7. Assistant Divisional Secretary
  8. Divisional Financial Secretary
  9. Two Non-office holders, one of whom shall be a woman
  10. The DEC shall be responsible for the Administration and Management of the Division under the direction of the District Assembly and consistent with this constitution.

ARTICLE 12 – COMMITTEES

  1. The Council shall appoint Standing Committees that it deems necessary to enhance its work. The following committees shall be formed in addition to the National Executive Committee established by this constitution (Article 6(3)).

a. Finance and General Purpose

  • Shall organize fundraising activities for the Association
  • Shal, in consultation with investment experts, invests funds of the Association upon direction from the Council.
  • The Financial Secretary shall chair this committee.

b. Welfare

  • It shall be concerned with promoting the general welfare of the members in the Association.
  • It shall be division-based
  • The Division Vice-Chairperson shall chair this committee
  • Each Division shall establish its welfare bylaws

c. Education and CContinuingProfessional Development.

  • It shall be responsible for occupational standards.
  • It shall serve as a liaison between the Association and accredited training institutions.
  • It shall organize continuous education for the members of the Association.

d. Editorial and Publicity

  • It shall develop marketing and publicity activities for the Association
  • It shall publish manuals, magazines, and newsletters of the Association
  • It shall develop and regularly update a website for the Association

. Ethics and Disciplinary

  • It shall deal with all matters referred to it by the Council and or Congress.
  • It shall have the power to prescribe any appropriate punishment that shall be capable of being enforced by the Council.

f. Research and Development  

  • It shall be responsible for the development of research programs
  • It shall be responsible for grants for research programs.

g. The Council shall have the power to appoint Ad-hoc committees to address specific issues.

H. Membership and functions of the committee herein may be reviewed or dissolved by the appointing authority.

ARTICLE 13 – TENURE OF OFFICE

  1. The National officers and non-office holders of the Council shall have a two-year term of office or a term of office falling between the Annual General Meeting at which general elections of the Association are held.
  2. The president shall be eligible for a maximum of two terms in office. National officers shall be eligible for re-election at all general elections.
  3. No elected officer shall serve on the Council for more than four terms.
  4. Members of the DEC shall have a maximum of a two-year term of office. A term of office shall be between the annual meetings at which general elections of the Division are held.
  5. The tenure of office of all committees of the Association shall end with the expiration of the mandate of the appointing authority.

ARTICLE 14 – MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION

1. General Assembly meetings

a. Annual General Meeting
  • The General Assembly shall meet once every year at an Annual General Meeting.
    The Council shall determine the date and venue for such meeting, which shall be at least ten months and not more than fourteen months from the last Annual General Meeting.
  • The Council shall determine the agenda for every General Meeting in line with the provisions of this constitution.
  • At least two months’ notice shall be given by the Council for the meeting.
  • The Annual General Meeting may be scheduled as part of the Annual General Conference of the Association.
  • Any division or recognized group desiring to submit a resolution (not inconsistent with the provisions of this constitution) for consideration at the Annual General Meeting may do so by sending it in writing to the General Secretary at least thirty (30) days before the date for the meeting and the General Secretary, shall circulate same to all divisions within seven (7) days on receipt of such resolution.
b. Extra–Ordinary Meetings
  • The Council shall have the power to convene an extraordinary meeting of the Association. BUT, in the case of extreme urgency, the Council may call a meeting with a shorter notice.
  • Upon petition signed by not less than 20% of the membership in good standing, the President shall in consultation with the Council and within thirty (30) days of the filling of such petition, summon an Extra-Ordinary meeting of the Association by giving at least seven (7) day notice either in writing, through the mass media or in any other means considered appropriate at such circumstances.
  • Every petition shall indicate the nature of the business for which the meeting is required, and the meeting shall address such agendum or agenda only.
  • Where the President on behalf of the Council fails to call an extra-ordinary general meeting within thirty (30) days of receipt by the General Secretary about a petition, the PETIONERS may convene a meeting of the General Assembly by given at least seven (7) day notice either in writing, through the mass media or in any other means considered appropriate at such circumstances.
  • An Extra-Ordinary general meeting satisfying all procedure requirements shall take precedence over all other meetings of the Association.

2. Meetings of the Council

  • The Council shall hold meetings at least every quarter of the year.
  • On advice by the president or by resolution signed by at least one-third of its members, an emergency meeting shall be called by the General Secretary within a week and with at least 48 hours’ notification.

3. Divisional Meetings

  • The Divisional Executive Committee shall hold meetings at least twice every calendar year.
  • The Divisions shall have the right to combine their General Meetings and Continuing Professional Development Sessions.
  • Upon petition signed by not less than 20% of the membership in good standing in the Division, the Divisional Chairman shall in consultation with the DEC and within thirty (30) days of the filling of such petition, summon an Extra-Ordinary meeting of the Association by giving at least seven (7) day notice either in writing, through the mass media or in any other means considered appropriate at such circumstances.
  • Every petition shall specify the agendum or agenda for which the meeting is being called, and the meeting shall address such agendum or agenda only.
  • Where the Divisional Chairman on behalf of the DEC fails to call an extra-ordinary general meeting within thirty (30) days of receipt by the General Secretary about a petition, the PETIONERS may convene a meeting of the General Assembly by given at least seven (7) day notice either in writing, through the mass media or in any other means considered appropriate at such circumstances.

ARTICLE 15 – QUORUM

  1. A quorum shall be required for decision-making at all meetings of the Association.
  2. A quorum shall not be required for the commencement of a meeting, and the meeting may commence as scheduled or later at the discretion of the Chairman.
  3. Where decisions are to be taken and at the end of the meeting there is no quorum, the Chairman shall call for another meeting at a later date, or the discussion to be resolved.
  4. At any Annual General Meeting or Extra-Ordinary Meeting of the Association, the quorum shall be 50% of members and good standing and shall include members from at least one-third of all Divisions.
  5. A quorum of National Executive Council Meetings shall be one-third of the membership.
  6. The quorum for meetings of the Divisional Executive Committee shall be one-third of the membership in such Division.
  7. All meetings of committees of the Association shall have a quorum of one-third of the membership.

ARTICLE 16 – VOTING

  1. At all Meetings of the Association, voting shall be by show of hands unless otherwise stated by the provisions of this constitution.
  2. Notwithstanding the statement in Article 16(1) above, members qualified and present at the meeting may decide by a simple majority vote to request a secret ballot on specific issues.
  3. All issues at meetings shall be decided by a simple majority of valid votes counted, except for specific issues (s) on which specific provisions have been made in this constitution.
  4. Members shall not attend or vote on issues (s) by proxy.
  5. In the event of equality of votes, the Chairman for such a meeting shall have a casting vote.
  6. At all elections of the Association, voting shall be by secret and direct ballot, and the result determined by provisions in Article 17 of this constitution.

ARTICLE 17 – ELECTIONS

  1. Election of the National Executive Council members (immediate Past President inclusive) and two Non-Office holding members of the Council as stated in Article 6(2) (a) to (f) and (g), shall be held at the Annual General Meeting announced for the purpose and shall be by direct and secret ballot.
  2. One of the two (2) non-office holders of the Council (Article 6, (2) (g)) to be elected shall be a woman.
  3. At both National and Divisional elections of the Association, only members of good standing at the time of filing of nomination(s) shall be eligible to contest as candidates, nominate candidates, or support nominations.
  4. Candidates wishing to contest elections at the Annual General Meeting shall submit nomination forms duly completed to the Electoral Committee at the National Secretariat at least thirty (30) days before the date for the election(s).
  5. Any member wishing to be nominated for the position of President of the Association must have served at least one full term as a member of the Council or Divisional Executive Committee at the time of the election. (A full term shall be one year or two ye, ars as applicable)
  6. At elections, more than 50% of the total vote counted as acceptable by the Electoral Committee would be required for the election of any national or divisional officer. In the event of more than two contestants vying for one position, there shall be a run-off for the top two if none of them obtains more than 50% of the valid votes counted.
  7. Candidates contesting as unopposed shall be required to obtain more than 50% of the valid votes counted to be elected; else, such position shall be declared vacant by the Executive Committee, and the provisions in Article 19 (3) shall apply.
  8. The Council shall appoint an Electoral Committee at least three months before the holding of the Annual General Meeting at which election(s) are to be held.
  9. Members of the Electoral Committee shall be presented and accepted by the General Assembly before assuming duties.
  10. Members of the Electoral Committee shall be at least four and not more than seven and shall not be members of the Council or the DEC. They shall belong to different divisions, themselves not being candidates for election, and shall be members of good standing. The Committee shall elect one of its members as Chairman.
  11. The Electoral Committee shall circulate to members through the Divisional Chairman or Secretary, notice for the elections, nomination form, and electoral rules at least three months before the elections at the Annual General Meeting.
  12. The Electoral Committee shall approve nominations, supervise, and conduct the elections according to the electoral rules and regulations of the Association.
  13. Divisions shall adopt their electoral procedures consistent with the relevant provisions in Article 16 of this constitution.
  14. The electoral committee may seek the assistance of the National EC when the need arises.

ARTICLE 18 – FINANCIAL PROVISIONS

  1. The Association shall generate funds for its use through the payment of dues, special contributions, and/or levies in both cash and kind, voluntary contributions that members may make from time to time, and by undertaking any genuine activity to raise funds.
  2. The various items stated in Article 18 (1) shall be determined or revised by the General Assembly as the situation demands.
  3. The Association dues shall be due and payable on admission to membership and thereafter on the first day of January each year or on such other date as the General Assembly may determine.
  4. The income and property of the Association shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the goals and objectives of the Association on the recommendation of the Finance and General Purposes Committee and as outlined in this Constitution.
  5. The Council shall establish and maintain accounts into which all monies and receivables shall be paid, out of which shall be paid all expenses and liabilities incurred by the Association.
  6. The National Executive Committee may invest the funds of the Association with the approval of the Council.
  7. The financial year of the Association shall commence on the 11th January of every year and end on the 31st December of the same year.
  8. Professionally qualified auditors appointed by the Association at each Annual General Meeting shall audit the Annual Accounts of the Association, and such auditors shall be eligible for re-appointment.
  9. The audited accounts of the preceding year shall be submitted by the Financial Secretary for approval by the Association at the Annual General Meeting after consideration by the Council.
  10. The DEC shall submit the audited annual accounts of the Division for the year just ended to the General Meeting of the Division at the beginning of each year.
  11. All Divisions shall submit their annual accounts for the preceding year to the Financial Secretary not later than the end of the following year.
  12. The Divisions shall seek the prior permission or advice of the Council in writing to commit the Association to any special expenditure, ESPECIALLY in cases of extra budgetary expenditure.
  13. There shall be no salaries assigned to any executive position, be it National or Divisional. Reimbursement of funds utilized on account of the association shall be allowed.
  14. Remunerations( Per diem, ex gratia) shall be determined by the General Assembly.

ARTICLE 19 – VACANCIES ON THE COUNCIL

  1. Any National or Divisional Officer who vacates his/her post or is unable to discharge his/her responsibilities as provided in this constitution shall render such position being declared as vacant by the Council or the DEC applicable.
  2. Any member of the Council or the DEC who wishes to resign his/her position shall do so in writing by giving at least five (5) weeks’ notice.
  3. In the event of a vacancy of an position on the Council where this constitution is silent on the appropriate measures, the Council shall have the power to appoint any member in good standing who is willing to fill the position in an acting capacity until the subsequent Annual General Meeting at which the position will be put up for election to complete the term of office.
  4. Any member appointed by the Council in the manner stated in Article 19 (3) and who has less than a year to the general election shall retire at the end of the term of the Council, but be eligible for election by the provisions of this constitution.
  5. Any vacancy at the Divisional level shall be filled by election at a General Meeting of the Division to complete the term of office of the Divisional Executive Committee.

ARTICLE 20 – DISCIPLINARY PROVISIONS

  1. It shall be the duty of the Council to refer all disciplinary cases to the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee for investigation and appropriate recommendation(s), and the Committee shall work by the Bye-Laws, Code of Ethics, and this Constitution.
  2. The Council, through the judgment and recommendations of the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, shall have the power to determine the appropriate sanctions or disciplinary measures against members.
  3. The Council shall, in line with this constitution, determine appropriate sanctions against any member of the Council, Divisional Executive Committee, or Division(s) who default in their responsibility outlined in this constitution.

The Council shall determine appropriate sanctions or disciplinary measures in the event of breach of the functions of the Editor-In-Chief, Public Relations Officer, Secretariat staff, and other appointed officers.

ARTICLE 21 – REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

  1. The Council shall have the power by a two-thirds majority of its membership to remove from office any member of the Council against whom adverse findings (s) have been made by an independent committee, such as having brought the Association into disrepute and/or having acted illegally against or in the name of the Association.
  2. A member of the Council may be removed from office by a two-thirds majority at an Annual or Extraordinary General Meeting, giving notice of the intended removal from office and at least four weeks’ notice given with the stated charge(s).
  3. Any member removed from office in the manner described in clauses (1) and (2) above shall cease to be a member of the governing body of the division or group to which he/she belongs, but will not cease to be a member othe f the Association.

ARTICLE 22 – EXCLUSION/ DISMISSAL OF MEMBERS

  1. The Council may recommend to any meeting of the General Assembly the exclusion/dismissal of any member of the Association if the Council believes that:
  2. The conduct of such a member is detrimental to the honor and integrity of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography profession or the Association, or calculated to bring the profession or the Association into disrepute.
  3. The member has willfully and repeatedly refused to comply with the provisions of this Constitution and the bylaws of the Association and those of his/her division.
  4. Any member of the Association shall cease to be a member if:
  5. His/her name has been erased from the register.
  6. He/she forfeits any cause of qualification as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.

ARTICLE 23 – SERVICE OF DOCUMENTS

The purpose of serving notice documents to members by the Association shall be to serve either personally or by posting to the address supplied by the member to the Association. Any document intended for the Association shall be served by post or by personal delivery to the President or the General Secretary of the Association unless otherwise indicated.

ARTICLE 24 – THE SYMBOL

  1. The Council shall be empowered to adopt a common seal/symbol for the use by the Association and shall provide for its safe custody.
  2. The symbol of the Association in use on the date of adoption of this Constitution shall be the official symbol of the Association unless otherwise changed by the Council.
  3. The symbol shall only be used by the authority of the Council or of a committee of the Council authorized by the Council on their behalf. Every instrument to which the seal shall be affixed shall be signed by the President of the Association.

ARTICLE 25 – BYLAWS

  1. The Association shall make such rules and regulations to be known as bylaws.
  2. A notice of any bylaws made shall be made known to the members of the Association.
  3. The bye-laws shall be necessary for the effective implementation of the goals and objectives and other constitutional provisions of the Association.
  4. The bye-laws of the Association bind on all members.
  5. In all cases, bye-laws of the Association shall not go contrary to the provisions of this constitution.

ARTICLE 26 – CONSTITUTION

A. AMENDMENTS

  1. Any provision of this constitution may be amended at an Annual General Meeting or an Extraordinary General Meeting convened for that purpose.
  2. Any resolution to amend or repeal any part(s) of this constitution shall be passed by a two-thirds majority of all members of the Association at a General or Extra-Ordinary Meeting or Congress.
  3. The details of any amendment shall be in writing and circulated to all Divisions of the Association for the information of members thirty (30) days before the meeting at which the amendment is to be addressed.

B. REVIEW

  1. A constitution review committee shall review the constitution at least every five years.
  2. Motion for review of the constitution shall be tabled at Congress or General Meetings and supported by at least a two-thirds majority of active members present.
  3. The review shall be presented to the National Executive Council and the branches before being passed at Congress or Annual General Meetings of the Association.
  4. The constitution review committee shall consist of five members.

 

ARTICLE 27 – ADOPTION AND COMMENCEMENT

By the authority of the General Assembly of the Ghana Association of Registered Medical Sonographers, this constitution is adopted this day,

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