African scholars, researchers, educators and professional practitioners of communication :

	Cognisant of the preponderant role of communication in the contemporary global community.
	Aware of the rapid development of, and the increasing impact of technology on communication.
	Conscious of the gulf separating Africa from other regions of the world in the filed of communication.
	Recognizing the need for international co-operation in communication technology, research, training and development.
	Taking note of the recommendation of the UNESCO-sponsored workshop on communication training in Africa, held at Legon, Ghana in December, 1974.
	Acknowledging the need to co-opt African leaders in the drive to make communication an effective factor in development.
	Convinced that communication development enhances cultural growth, promotes the process of democratization, facilitates the exchange of information and contributes to overall development.

Hereby solemnly resolve to create a non-political, non-governmental, non-profit continental organization dedicated to the development of communication in Africa through sound scholarship, productive research, useful training, and high standards of professional practice.

In pursuit of this resolution, the present constitution of an African Council concerned with communication Education is heretofore drawn.

Article 1 : NAME

It is hereby created a continent-wide African communication organization to be called THE AFRICAN COUNCIL FOR COMMUNICATION EDUCATION, abbreviated ACCE (henceforth referred to in this constitution as “the Council”)

Article 2 : HEADQUARTERS

The Council’s headquarters shall be set at a place within Africa that shall be decided upon by the General Assembly of the Council. It may be moved only by a decision of the Council.

Article 3 : LANGUAGES

The working languages of the Council shall be English and French.

Article 4 : AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

(a) The principal aim of the Council shall be to foster maximum co-operation in all aspects of communication training and practice in Africa. This will include :-

1. The assessment of training needs of African communication training institutions and encouraging the circulation of various curricula and course designs among such training institutions.
2. The encouragement of a standardized system of accreditation of African communication training institutions and universities.
3. Finding ways and means of student and staff exchange among African communication training institutions.
4. The promotion of regional workshops and training courses and initiation of high-level training programmes for communication trainers.
5. The encouragement of research within African communications institutions and co-operation with other international organizations in the field of communication research.
6. The promotion of awareness among African governments on the crucial role of mass media as an instrument for national development.
7. Engaging in the collection and dissemination of information on media development, research, communication training, curriculum design and directories of communication organizations.

(b) In pursuance of these aims and objectives, the Council shall use all appropriate means of study and action to, in particular;

1. Set up and maintain permanent services, which shall include such bodies that will perform special duties for the Council.
2. Set up study groups and commissions responsible for investigating specific problems and presenting such information, research papers and other documents to the Council.
3. Acquire premises, installations , instruments, materials and equipment, as necessary for fulfilling its stated aims and objectives.
4. Receive dues, contributions, endowments, grants or other forms of income.
5. Collect and maintain up-to-date documentation and carry out research on communication training in member countries.
6. Carry out consultancy services on behalf of the agencies, governments, foundations and other similar bodies.

It shall carry out any other activities consistent with its aims and objectives.

Article 5 : ORGANS OF THE COUNCIL

There shall be three organs of the council :

(a) The General Assembly

(b) The Executive Committee

(c) National Chapters

Article 6 : GENERAL ASSEMBLY

1. The General Assembly of the Council shall be the supreme body of the Council and shall have full powers to fulfil the Council’s aims and objectives.
2. The General Assembly shall meet once every two years in ordinary session. Written notifications of the ordinary session of the General Assembly, accompanied by the biennial statement of accounts and the agenda for the meeting, shall be sent to all national chapters not less than two months before the date of the meeting.
3. The quorum of the General Assembly shall be at least one-third of the active members of the Council.
4. The General Assembly may meet in extra-ordinary session for any specific purpose. It shall be held on the written request of the Executive Committee or at least one-third of active members of the Council.
5. Written notification of such an extra-ordinary session of the General Assembly shall be sent to all National Chapters of the Council at least one month before the date of the meeting.
6. Decisions of the General Assembly shall be binding on all members of the Council.

Article 7 : THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

1. The Executive Committee shall make and control policies on behalf of the Council and shall have powers to execute decisions, recommendations and wishes of the Council.
2. The Executive Committee shall meet at least two times a year. It may also meet in extra-ordinary session whenever is deemed necessary.
3. The Executive Committee shall on behalf of the Council, appoint the Executive Co-ordinator and other Executive staff of the Council.
4. The Executive Committee shall also ratify the appointment of other staff of the Council.
5. The termination of appointment of officers shall be the responsibility of the Executive Committee.
6. The decisions of the Executive Committee shall be reached by a simple majority of the Committee.
7. Members of the Executive Committee shall include :

1. The President
2. Vice-Presidents
3. The Treasurer
4. Four other elected members
5. Two ex-officio members who shall be :

The immediate past President of the Council, and the Executive Co-ordinator.

Members of the Executive Committee shall serve a period of two years, renewed only by an election at the Council’s General Assembly.

8. Elections to any of the offices of the Executive Committee is limited to two consecutive terms.
9. Any Executive Commit member who ceases to be a member of the Council shall automatically lose membership of the committee.

Article 8 : OFFICE BEARERS

(a) THE PRESIDENT

1. The President is the highest officer of the Council. He represents the Council before the public, other organizations, and before a court of law.
2. The President shall sign all agreements with bodies such as governments, international organizations and institutions on behalf of the council.
3. The President shall be the Governor of the General Assembly of the Council, and the Executive Committee meetings.
4. The President shall preside over all meetings of the Council, unless prevented by unavoidable circumstances.
5. The President shall conduct discussions and ensure the proper functioning of meetings in compliance with standing rules and regulations.
6. The President shall have a casting vote in the event of a tie.
7. The President may invite to General Assembly sessions or Executive Committee meetings, person(s) that could be usefully consulted, but the General Assembly or the Executive Committee shall decide if such attendance should be limited to only part of the meting.

(b) THE VICE PRESIDENTS

The Vice-Presidents shall perform any duties of the President in his absence, or any other duties assigned by the President or the Executive Committee.

(c) THE TREASURER

1. The Treasurer shall ensure the effective financial management and book-keeping of the Council.
2. He shall oversee allocation of funds and settlement of expenditure authorised by the Executive Committee.
3. He shall head the Finance and Management Sub-committee of the Council as constituted by the Executive Committee.
4. The Treasurer shall present bi-annual Financial Reports to the Executive Committee, and Annual Financial Reports including Auditor’s Report to the Council at the General Assembly. These reports shall be duly certified by the auditor.

(d) THE EXECUTIVE CO-ORDINATOR

1. The Executive Co-ordinator shall be the chief Administrative Officer of the Council.
2. the Executive Co-ordinator shall deal with all correspondences of the Council under the general supervision of the Executive Committee.
3. He shall, at the instance of the President, issue notices convening all meetings of the Executive Committee and all sessions of the General Assembly of the Council, and shall be responsible for keeping minutes, and for the preservation of all records of proceedings of the Council and of the Executive.
4. He shall be responsible for co-ordinating the activities of national chapters.
5. The Executive Co-ordinator shall be an ex-officio member of the Executive Committee.
6. The Executive Co-ordinator’s tenure of office shall be two years, renewable if his services are satisfactory to the Executive Committee of the Council.

Article 9 : NATIONAL CHAPTERS

1. National Chapters are the basic organs of the Council
2. The grouping of two or more active members at the level of a country shall constitute a National Chapter.
3. The Executive Committee shall, on the recommendation of the National Chapter and the advice of the Executive Co-ordinator, appoint the National Co-ordinator.
4. The National Co-ordinator shall be the chapter’s chief administrative officer and liaison between the chapter and the Council.
5. In consultation with the Executive Committee, the National Chapter shall, if need arises, seek assistance in the creation of such structure or structures as will enhance and promote the aims and objectives of the Council.

Article 10 : MEMBERSHIP

There shall be five categories of membership :

1. Institutional
2. Individual
3. Associate
4. Honorary
5. Student

(a) INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

The following shall be entitled to institutional membership :

1. Schools or Departments of Journalism, Schools or Departments of Mass Communication, Schools or Departments of Theatre Arts, or any nationally recognized communication establishment, colleges, polytechnics and universities.
2. Government Ministries and Departments engaged in communication practice, as well as institutions undertaking communication training within or for various government ministries and departments in Africa.
3. Private media and media-related organizations or institutions.
4. Training department or units of national broadcasting systems, newspapers, and professional media organizations which undertake formalized communication training in Africa.
5. Other nationally recognized institutions that engage specifically in communications training in Africa.

(b) INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP

Any person trained in, or actively involved in research, training and professional practice of communication in Africa, shall be entitled to individual membership.

(c) ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP

Individuals and organizations, including extra-continental organizations interested in the aims and objective of the Council may apply and be considered for associate membership.

(d) HONORARY MEMBERSHIP

Honorary membership may be bestowed on :

1. Any association or organization which, in the opinion of the Executive Committee of the Council, has made a significant contribution to the attainment of the aims and objective of the Council.
2. Any individual who, in the opinion of the Executive Committee, has made a significant contribution to the aims and objectives of the Council.
3. The Executive Committee shall recommend to the General Assembly candidates for honorary membership. Such recommendations may originate from the Executive Committee itself or from National Chapters.

(e) STUDENT MEMBERSHIP

Any African registered as a full-time student in a nationally or internationally recognized institution and under-taking studies or research in communication shall be entitled to student membership.

(f) ACTIVE MEMBERS

1. Institutions and persons who qualify under article 10 (a) and (b) and accept the provisions of this constitution, regularly pay the annual membership dues prescribed by the Council’s General Assembly, and work actively with the Council to achieve its aims and objectives are active members.
2. For those organizations qualified under article 10 (a) to become members, the heads of such organizations shall address a request to the National Co-ordinator of their respective country; where there is no national co-ordinator, such requests can be made directly to the Executive Co-ordinator of the Council.
   
   Where a request is made to the Executive Co-ordinator from a country that has a National Co-ordinator, such a request should be channelled to the National Co-ordinator for processing.
3. Any persons desiring individual or associate membership should apply to the Executive Co-ordinator if there is no national co-rdinator for the country.
4. ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP MAY BE LOST

1. By resignation from the Council.
2. By change of status of an institution or individual.
3. By failure over a period of twelve calendar months to pay the prescribed membership fee.

Article 11 : ELECTIONS

Elections to offices and membership of the Executive Committee shall be conducted by a duly appointed electoral officer following the expiration of the former’s tenure at ordinary or extra-ordinary sessions of the General Assembly.

Article 12 : FUNDS

The funds of the Council may only be used for the following purposes :

1. Research on communication.
2. Student and staff exchange programmes.
3. Assisting African communication training courses.
4. Promoting workshops and training courses.
5. Collection and dissemination of information on media development.
6. Acquiring premises, installations, instruments, materials and equipment.
7. All money and funds shall be received by and paid to the Council. Such monies shall be deposited in any bank or banks approved by the Executive Committee.
8. All payments and cheques made on the Council’s bank accounts shall be signed by the Treasurer and the Executive Co-ordinator, or an alternative signatory appointed by the Executive Committee.

Article 13 : TRUSTEES

1.  All land, buildings and other immovable property and investments and securities which shall be acquired by the council shall be vested in the names of not less than 2 trustees who shall be members of the society and shall be appointed at an annual meeting for a period of three years.
   
   On retirement, such trustees shall be eligible for re-election for not more than two terms. A general meeting shall have the power to remove nay of the trustees and all vacancies occurring by removal, resignation or death, shall be filed at the same or next general meeting.
2. The trustees shall pay all income received from property vested in the trustees to the Treasurer. Any expenditure in respect of such property which, in the opinion of the trustees, is necessary or desirable shall be reported by the trustees to the Executive Committee which shall authorize expenditure of such monies as it deems necessary.

Article 14 : AUDITORS

1. Auditors shall be appointed for a period of two years by the General Assembly following an ordinary session. the auditors shall be resident in the country where the Council’s headquarters is located.
2. The Council’s accounts, records, and documents shall be open tot he inspection of the Auditors at any time. The treasurer shall produce an account of receipts and payments and statement of assets and liabilities made before the date of the ordinary General Assembly.
   
   The Auditors shall examine such biennial accounts and statements and either certify that they are correct, duly vouched and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Council or are found to be incorrect, unvouched or not in accordance with the said rules and regulations.
3. A copy of the auditor’s report on the accounts and statement together with such accounts and statement shall be furnished to all national chapters at the same time as the notice convening the ordinary session of the General Assembly is sent out. The Auditors may be paid a fee for their duties as may be decided by the ordinary session of the General Assembly appointing them.
4. Auditors shall not be members of the Council.

Article 15 : DISSOLUTION

1. Proposals for the dissolution of the Council may be submitted to the Executive Committee, by a petition of at least one-third of all active members drawn from more than one sub-region of the Council’s constituency, at least six months before the General Assembly.
2. Adoption of such proposals shall be by at least three quarters of active members at an Extra-ordinary session of the General Assembly convened for this purpose.
3. In the event of dissolution of the Council a liquidator shall be appointed in accordance with the laws of the country where the Council’s headquarters is located.

Article 16 : AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION

1. Proposals for amendments to this constitution can be made by the Executive Committee or at least one-third of all active members and submitted to the General Assembly.
2. Adoption of any amendments to this constitution will require at least two-thirds of all active members attending the General Assembly.

African Council for Communication Education By-Laws

The present by-laws are in application of the ACCE Constitution, as revised and adopted at the 7th General Assembly of the Council held in Ouagadougou, October, 24 - 26, 1990.

Section 1 : LANGUAGES

In addition to English and French, any other language may be used at ACCE meetings if circumstances warrant, and the means permit, such usage.

Section 2 : INCOME

ACCE income shall be derived from :

1. membership fees
2. sale of publications
3. consultancy services
4. programme implementation proceeds
5. donations

Section 3 : EXECUTIVE CO-ORDINATOR

A permanent senior staff at the Secretariat may, on the recommendation of the Finance and Management Sub-Committee and the approval of the ACCE President deputize the Executive Co-ordinator.

Section 4 : NATIONAL CHAPTERS

1. The establishment and functioning of National Chapters shall be in keeping with the ACCE Constitution and the present by-laws.
2. However, modifications may be made on the structure of a National Chapter with the approval of the Executive Committee.

Section 5 : AGENDA OF MEETINGS

The agenda for any Ordinary General Assembly shall consist of the following :

1. Adoption of the minutes of the previous Biennial General Meeting.
2. Examination of the accounts of the Council.
3. Election of the office bearers and ordinary members of the Executive Committee.
4. Appointment of an auditor
5. such other matters as the Executive Committee may decide or to which notice shall have been given in writing by a member or members to the Executive Co-ordinator at least four weeks before the date thereof.
6. Any other business with the approval of the President.

Section 6 : PROCEDURE OF MEETINGS

1. At all ordinary meetings of the Council, the President or, in his/her absence, the first or second Vice-President, or in their absence, any member of the Executive Committee selected by the meeting, shall take the chair.
2. All active associates and honorary members may take part in the General Assembly.
3. Only active members shall have the right to vote at the sittings of the General Assembly of the Council.
4. Voting in the General Assembly shall be governed by the rule of one vote per individual or institutional member.
5. Any active individual or institutional member may vote through a proxy, duly appointed in writing, who shall also be an active member provided that no member may represent more than one vote other than his/her own.
6. Decisions shall be taken, as much as possible, by consensus, failing which they shall be reached by simple majority, except provided for otherwise in the Constitution.

Section 7 : ELECTION

1. There shall be an electoral officer, nominated by the Executive Committee and approved by the General Assembly, who shall be assisted by two or more persons selected in the same manner.
2. The electoral officer and his/her assistants shall be chosen among participants at the General Assembly who are not eligible for elective posts.
3.  

1.  Nominations shall be supported by at least ten active members, half of whom shall be from the geographical and linguistic regions other than that of the nominee.
2. All nominations shall be during a session of the General Assembly and submitted to the electoral officer who shall prepare ballot papers for that purpose.
3. No one shall be nominated to be elected for any office in absentia.

4. Election to offices shall be conducted by secret ballot.
5. An officer is elected by a simple majority.
6. The President and the two Vice-Presidents shall, as much as possible, be elected from different geographical and linguistic groups within the continent.
7.  

1. Similarly, the other members of the Executive Committee shall be voted along the same lines as in (f) above.
2. Notwithstanding the previous provision, the Treasurer shall be an active member resident in the city where ACCE’s headquarters is located.

8. Results of the elections shall be announced at the closing session of the General Assembly.

Section 8 : HANDING OVER

The outgoing and incoming Executive Committee shall have at least one joint meeting at the end of the General Assembly, at which the election took place, for the purpose of a smooth hand over.

African Council for Communication Education Procedures for Elections

1. Nomination of candidates for :
   President
   1st Vice-President
   2nd Vice-President
   Treasurer
   4 Executive Committee Members.
   Nomination in absentia is not allowed.
2. Candidates may be nominated for more than one office or position.
3. Usual ACCE practice is that the linguistic zones the organization operates in must be represented in offices - i.e. if the President comes from the English-speaking area, the two vice-presidents must be from the French and Arabic-speaking areas.
4. Voting is restricted to paid-up ACCE members as evidenced by a green membership card.
5. Participants will be given ballot papers which will contain names of candidates nominated for each office/position on the Executive Committee. Participants will be required to check, using an X or under-line, the name of persons they want for each of the positions. A ballot paper on which more than one person is voted for each of the main offices will be nullified.
6. Ballot papers will be dropped in a ballot box.
7. Voting will be supervised by an electoral officer who will be assisted by the ACCE Executive Co-ordinator and another staff member of the ACCE Secretariat.
8. proxy Voting: Authority letters for such proxy voting must be given to the electoral officer and the assistants.
   Model of authority letter:
   I ....................................... nominate.................................... to cast a proxy vote for me during the ACCE elections to be held in .....................................................
   Signed.................................
   Date....................................
9. Representatives of paid-up institutional members will have one vote apart from their own.