Constitution of
Adventist Tech
Association Ghana
(ATAG)
 
 
 
 

2024
 
  






Preamble
Recognizing the pivotal role of technology in spreading the Gospel and transforming communities, we, the Adventist Tech Professionals of Ghana, unite under a common vision to bridge faith and innovation. We do hereby enact and adopt this Constitution for the governance and regulation of the Adventist Tech Association Ghana, henceforth referred to as ATAG.

Table of Contents
Article I: Name	4
Article II: Vision and Mission	4
Section 1: Vision	4
Section 2: Mission	4
Article III: Membership	4
Section 1: Eligibility	4
Section 2: Classes of Membership	5
Section 3: Rights and Obligations of Members	5
Section 4: Membership Application Process	5
Section 5: Membership Benefits	6
Article IV: Governance Structure	6
Section 1: Governance Philosophy	6
Section 2: Organizational Structure	7
Section 3: Decision-Making Process	11
Section 4: Meetings	11
Section 5: Accountability and Reporting	12
Article V: Elections and Terms of Office	12
Section 1: Elections	12
Section 2: Terms of Office	12
Article VI: Finances	13
Section 1: Sources of Revenue	13
Article I: Name
The name of this organization shall be the Adventist Tech Association Ghana, hereinafter referred to as ATAG.

Article II: Vision and Mission
Section 1: Vision
The vision of ATAG is to be the preeminent network of Adventist technology professionals in Ghana, where faith and technology synergize to advance digital evangelism, innovation, and societal transformation.
Section 2: Mission
The mission of ATAG shall be to:
1.	Unite and empower Adventist technology professionals across Ghana.
2.	Provide a platform for professional networking, collaboration, and development. 
3.	Promote and implement technology-driven initiatives that align with and support the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
4.	Facilitate career advancement and job creation for members within the technology industry.
5.	Contribute meaningfully to the development of society through impactful technological projects.


 Article III: Membership
Section 1: Eligibility
Membership in ATAG shall be open to individuals who meet the following criteria: 
1.	Be a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
2.	Possess demonstrable expertise in a technology-related field (e.g., Computer science, Information Technology, Information Systems, software development, data science, cybersecurity, UI/UX design, cloud computing, artificial intelligence/machine learning, digital marketing, IT support, project management and other similarly related fields.
3.	Exhibit a strong commitment to the vision and mission of ATAG.
Section 2: Classes of Membership
Membership in ATAG shall be classified into three cadres as follows:
Membership Cadres in ATAG:
1.	Full Membership (FATAG):
Full Membership is reserved for baptized Seventh-day Adventist individuals who meet the following criteria:
a.	Fulfill all ATAG eligibility requirements.
b.	Have been actively involved in ATAG for at least one year or have contributed to a minimum of two ATAG-approved projects.
c.	Maintain good financial standing and regular participation within the organization.
d.	Candidates must undergo a thorough vetting process, be approved, and presented by the Membership Committee.
2.	Associate Membership (AATAG):
The AATAG cadre is designed for individuals who align with and support the objectives of ATAG but do not yet meet the criteria for Full Membership.
3.  Student Membership (SATAG): Student Membership is designed for all students at all levels including Tertiary students, Senior High School Students, Junior High School Students.

4. Honorary Membership (HATAG):
Honorary Membership may be awarded to individuals who have provided exceptional service to ATAG or made significant contributions to the technology industry. This designation is subject to the approval of the Executive Board.
Section 3: Rights and Obligations of Members
1.	Full Members (FMATAG) shall have the right to vote, hold office, and participate fully in all activities and programs of ATAG.
2.	Associate Members (AMATAG) may engage in activities and programs but shall not possess voting rights or eligibility for office.
3.	All members shall be obligated to uphold the values and principles of ATAG, actively participate in its programs, and discharge any dues or fees as prescribed.
Section 4: Membership Application Process
1.	Prospective members shall apply through the ATAG online portal, providing details of their professional expertise and commitment to the association’s mission.
2.	The Membership Committee shall review applications and make decisions based on the eligibility criteria.
3.	Applicants shall be notified of the decision within 60 days of submitting their application.




Section 5: Membership Benefits
•	Networking Opportunities:
Build relationships with other Adventists in the tech field and find opportunities for collaboration and profiling and indexing members’ professional background for international visibility and recognition.  

•	Professional Growth:
Connect with like-minded professionals and organizations, potentially opening doors for career advancement at the intersection of faith and technology. 

•	Shared Ministry:
Collaborate with peers and international tech missions to share ideas and resources, working together to extend the church’s reach globally and build the future of faith in a digital world.
Members will get the opportunity to utilize their tech skills as they support churches, schools, and hospitals with IT infrastructure, live streaming setups, and digital outreach.

•	Professional Training and Skills Development
Opportunities for further training into tech skills, programming, web development, videography, photography, content creation, career visibility, mentorship, and training and skill enhancements.
•	Leadership Opportunities
Members may have the opportunity to be a part of the various tech/communication committees i.e., executive committee, district tech committee, and local church tech committee.

Article IV: Governance Structure
Section 1: Governance Philosophy
The governance of the Adventist Tech Association Ghana (ATAG) shall be based on a Hybrid/Matrix organizational structure combined with elements of Servant Leadership and Holacracy. This approach is designed to balance functional and cross-functional collaboration, empower members, and distribute decision-making authorities across the organization in conformance with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church practices in Ghana.
1.	Hybrid/Matrix Structure: ATAG will have functional teams (e.g., Operations, Marketing) alongside cross-functional teams (e.g., Partnerships, Events) that collaborate and share resources to achieve common goals.
2.	Servant Leadership: The focus of ATAG’s leadership will be on empowering members, providing support, and prioritizing their needs, in alignment with the principles of servant leadership.
3.	Holacracy: ATAG will adopt a distributed authority system, where decision-making power is shared across teams and individuals, with roles defined by responsibilities rather than traditional job titles.
4.	Union and Local Conference Collaboration: ATAG will collaborate with the Ghana Unions and the local conferences for a coherent collaboration and alignment with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Ghana.

Section 2: Organizational Structure
1. General Assembly:
I.	The General Assembly shall consist of all Full Members of ATAG and shall be the highest decision-making body of the association.
II.	The General Assembly shall meet annually to review the activities of ATAG, approve budgets, and elect members to the Executive Board and Operational Teams.

2. Executive Board:
I.	The Executive Board shall consist of representatives from each of the Seventh-day Adventist Church unions in Ghana, ensuring diverse and equitable representation across the country.
II.	The Executive Board shall be responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of ATAG, making major decisions, and ensuring the effective governance of the organization.
III.	The Executive Board shall include the following positions, with each member union nominating a representative:
a.	President
b.	Vice President
c.	Secretary
d.	Treasurer
e.	Auditor
f.	Chaplain
g.	Director of Membership
h.	Director of Programs
i.	Director of Communications and Media Relations
j.	Regional Coordinators





3. Roles and Responsibilities of the Executive Board Members:
a. President
i.	Provide Christ-centered leadership, embodying the values of service and humility in accordance with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church Manual and the constitution of ATAG.
ii.	Provide overall leadership and direction to the organization.
iii.	Facilitate meetings and ensure effective communication among board members.
iv.	Represent the organization in external affairs and public engagements.
v.	Oversee the implementation of strategic goals and objectives.
vi.	Collaborate on the development and implementation of the strategic plan to achieve the organization’s mission.
vii.	Formulate and review policies to guide the governance of the organization.
viii.	Make significant decisions regarding the organization’s operations, finances, and programs.
ix.	Regularly assess the effectiveness of the organization’s programs and processes.
x.	Give stewardship account to the ATAG members at all AGM meetings.


b. Vice President
i.	Assist the President in their duties and assume responsibilities in their absence.
ii.	Support the coordination of board activities and initiatives.
iii.	Serve as a liaison between the board and member unions.
c. Secretary
i.	Maintain accurate records of meetings, decisions, and organizational documents.
ii.	Prepare agendas and distribute materials for board meetings.
iii.	Ensure effective communication and documentation within the board.
iv.	Give stewardship account to the ATAG members at all AGM meetings.

d. Treasurer
i.	Oversee the financial management of the organization, including budgeting and accounting.
ii.	Prepare financial reports and present them to the board for review.
iii.	Ensure compliance with financial regulations and reporting standards.
iv.	Give stewardship account to the ATAG members at all AGM meetings.

e. Auditor
i.	Conduct regular audits of the organization’s financial practices and reports.
ii.	Ensure transparency and accountability in financial management.
iii.	Report findings and recommendations to the board.
f. Chaplain
i.	Provide spiritual guidance and support to board members and the organization.
ii.	Lead prayer and devotional activities during meetings.
iii.	Foster a spirit of unity and collaboration within the board.
iv.	Give stewardship account to the ATAG members at all AGM meetings.

g. Director of Membership
i.	Oversee the recruitment and retention of members within the organization.
ii.	Develop strategies to engage and support members effectively.
iii.	Maintain up-to-date membership records and statistics.
h. Director of Programs
i.	Plan and coordinate programs and initiatives in line with organizational goals.
ii.	Monitor the effectiveness of programs and make recommendations for improvement.
iii.	Collaborate with other directors to ensure program alignment.
i. Director of Communications and Media Relations
i.	Develop and implement communication strategies to promote the organization.
ii.	Manage public relations and media outreach efforts.
iii.	Ensure consistent messaging across all communication platforms.
j. Regional Coordinators
i.	Act as representatives for their respective regions, ensuring local concerns are addressed.
ii.	Facilitate communication between the Executive Board and regional members.
iii.	Organize regional events and initiatives in alignment with the board's strategic goals.

4. Governance Team:
I.	Board of Advisors:  
This team will oversee the strategic direction and major decisions of ATAG. It will ensure that the organization remains aligned with its mission and vision. 
Structure of the Board of Advisors
a.	Chairperson: Selected from among the advisors, the chairperson facilitates meetings and coordinates with the Executive Board.
b.	Members: Include experts in technology, finance, legal affairs, digital evangelism, strategic partnerships, and other relevant fields.
c.	Ex-Officio Members: The President, Secretary, and Treasurer from the Executive Board are non-voting ex-officio members to ensure alignment between the Board of Advisors and the Executive Board.
II.	Board Meetings and Reporting: Regular board meetings will be held to discuss progress, challenges, and strategic plans. Reporting mechanisms will be established to ensure transparency.
III.	Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly defined roles and responsibilities will be established, including policies on conflict of interest and a risk management framework.
IV.	Transparency and Accountability: Open communication channels will be maintained, with regular updates on ATAG’s progress shared with members.
V.	Membership and Stakeholder Representation: The governance structure will ensure diverse representation from all unions, and a process for resolving disputes will be in place.
VI.	Succession Planning and Code of Conduct: A succession plan will be developed to ensure continiuity, and a code of conduct will be established to maintain ethical standards.

5. Operational Teams:
ATAG’s day-to-day operations shall be managed by several specialized teams, each responsible for a key area of activity. The Operational Teams shall include:
I.	Admin and Finance Team: Manages administrative tasks, finances, and legal matters.
II.	Technical Team: Responsible for platform development, maintenance, and tech support.
III.	Marketing and Outreach Team: Handles marketing campaigns, partnerships, and community engagement.
IV.	Project Management Team: Oversees the planning, execution, and evaluation of projects.
V.	Content Creation Team: Develops and curates engaging content for ATAG’s digital platforms, including blog posts, videos, and social media posts.
VI.	Branding Team: Responsible for developing, designing, implementing, and managing strategies to promote and protect ATAG's brand image. 
VII.	Community Engagement Team: Focuses on building and nurturing relationships with the community, including user support, feedback collection, and forum moderation.
VIII.	Research and Development Team: Explores new technologies, trends, and innovations to keep ATAG at the forefront of tech and identifies growth opportunities.
IX.	Cybersecurity Team: Ensures ATAG’s digital platforms and user data are secure and protected from potential threats.
X.	Data Analytics Team: Analyzes data to inform decision-making, measure impact, and optimize ATAG operations.
XI.	Training and Development Team: Provides training and resources to help community members develop new skills and stay up-to-date with industry trends.
XII.	Partnerships and Collaborations Team: Fosters strategic partnerships with other organizations, businesses, and stakeholders to further ATAG’s mission.
XIII.	Events and Programs Team: Organizes and hosts events, webinars, workshops, and other programs to engage the community and promote ATAG’s initiatives.
XIV.	Welfare Team: Support ATAG members with job and internship opportunities and general welfare support such as educational support, critical health conditions, and critical catastrophic events that affect its members.
Section 3: Decision-Making Process
1. Executive Board:
Decisions at the Executive Board level shall be made by a majority vote, with each union representative having one vote. In the event of a tie, the President shall have the casting vote.

2.  Operational Teams:
Each Operational Team shall have the autonomy to make decisions within its scope of responsibility, guided by the principles of Holacracy. Decisions will be made collectively by team members, ensuring shared accountability. While the majority opinion will guide the team's actions, any dissenting or minority opinions, especially on tech-related matters, must be documented and submitted to the Executive Board for final review and approval. This approach ensures that all perspectives are considered and that the Executive Body remains informed of all decisions made.

Section 4: Meetings
1. Annual General Meeting (AGM):
The AGM shall be held annually, bringing together all members of ATAG to review progress, elect leaders, and set strategic priorities for the coming year. Reports from the Executive Board and Operational Teams shall be presented and discussed.
 
2. Executive Board Meetings:
The Executive Board shall meet quarterly to assess progress, make key decisions, and provide guidance to Operational Teams.
Emergency meetings may be called by the President or upon request by a majority of Board members.
 
3. Operational Team Meetings:
Operational Teams shall meet regularly as required to plan, execute, and review their activities. Meetings shall be conducted in a manner that encourages collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
 
Section 5: Accountability and Reporting
1.	All teams and individuals within ATAG shall be held accountable for their performance and adherence to the association’s values and objectives.
2.	Regular reports on activities, finances, and progress towards goals shall be provided to the Executive Board and the General Assembly.
3.	A transparent reporting system shall be established to ensure that all members are informed and engaged in the association’s activities.


 Article V: Elections and Terms of Office
Section 1: Elections
1. Elections for Executive Board officers shall be conducted during the AGM.
2.  Nominations for office shall be submitted in advance, and all nominees must be
Full Members in good standing.
 
Section 2: Terms of Office
1.	Officers shall serve a term of four (4) years, with the possibility of re-election for one additional consecutive term.
2.	In the event of a vacancy, the Executive Board shall appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of the term.

Article VI: Finances
Section 1: Sources of Revenue  
The financial resources of ATAG shall be derived from:
1.	Membership dues and fees.
2.	Donations, grants, and sponsorships (Church, Techpreneurs, Partners, and
Donors).
3.	Revenues generated from ATAG’s programs, events, and projects.
Section 2: Membership Dues and Payment Procedures
1 Membership Dues and Payments
i.	Full Membership
All Full membership members of ATAG are required to pay annual dues of six hundred (600) Ghana Cedis. This amount may be reviewed and adjusted periodically by the Executive Board.

ii.	Associate Membership
All Associate membership members of ATAG are required to pay annual dues of One hundred and twenty (120) Ghana Cedis. This amount may be reviewed and adjusted periodically by the Executive Board

iii.	Student Membership
All student membership members of ATAG are required to pay an annual dues of Sixty Ghana (60) Ghana Cedis. This amount may be reviewed and adjusted periodically by the Executive Board


iv.	Honorary Membership
All Honorary membership members of ATAG are required to pay annual dues of One thousand, two hundred (1,200) Ghana Cedis. This amount may be reviewed and adjusted periodically by the Executive Board.
2.	Payment Methods: Dues/Fees can be paid via bank transfer, online payment (Mobile Money), etc. Members will receive payment instructions and deadlines from the Treasurer.
3.	Financial Standing: Members must maintain good financial standing to retain their membership status. Failure to pay dues by the specified deadline may warrant a suspension or revocation of membership, as determined by the Executive Board.

Section 3: Bank Account and Signatories
1.	Bank Account Creation:
ATAG shall establish and maintain a bank account in the name of the association at a reputable financial institution, as determined by the Executive Board.
2.	Authorized Signatories:
The signatories for the bank account shall include the President, Treasurer, and one other member of the Executive Board as designated by the Board. Any transactions or withdrawals from the account shall require the signatures of at least two of the authorized signatories.
3.	Financial Oversight:
The Treasurer shall oversee all transactions to ensure they align with the approved budget and financial policies of ATAG. The Finance Committee shall regularly review the bank statements and financial records.


Section 4: Financial Management
1.	Treasurer’s Responsibilities: The Treasurer shall be entrusted with maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring the transparency of all financial transactions.
2.	Annual Budget: The Finance Committee shall draft an annual budget, subject to approval by the Executive Board.
3.	Remuneration Policies: In cases where a member is to be remunerated for insourcing or assignments, ATAG is committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. The Executive Board shall establish and periodically review remuneration policies in alignment with ATAG's mission and financial capacity as stipulated in the working document.
4.	Per Diems and Reimbursements: Members traveling on behalf of ATAG or incurring expenses directly related to their duties may be eligible for per diems and reimbursements. The Executive Board shall define and review policies regarding per diem rates and the reimbursement process, ensuring that claims are processed promptly and transparently.
5.	Policy Review: All point in section 4 shall be reviewed annually by the
Executive Board to ensure they remain fair, competitive, and in line with ATAG’s financial capabilities.
Section 5: Financial Projections and Funding  
1.	ATAG shall develop and maintain financial projections to guide its activities and ensure sustainability.
2.	The Executive Board shall clearly define funding requirements and allocations, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to achieve the association's objectives.
 


Section 6: Auditing  
The financial accounts of ATAG shall be subject to a periodic internal audit by the auditor of ATAG and an annual audit by an external auditor with the findings presented at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
 
Article VII: Conflict Resolution
Section 1: Conflict Resolution Process
1.	Informal Resolution: Members are encouraged to first seek resolution through informal discussions with the parties involved.
2.	Mediation: If informal resolution is unsuccessful, the matter may be brought to a designated mediator within ATAG, who will facilitate a mediation process to help parties reach a mutually agreeable solution.
3.	Formal Complaint: If mediation fails, a formal written complaint may be submitted to the Conflict Resolution Committee, which will review the complaint and make recommendations for resolution.
4.	Appeal Process: Parties dissatisfied with the resolution may appeal to the Executive Board, whose decision shall be final.
Section 2: Confidentiality and Record-Keeping
1.	Confidentiality: All proceedings related to conflict resolution shall be handled with the utmost confidentiality to protect the privacy of involved parties.
2.	Record-Keeping: Accurate records of all conflict resolution proceedings shall be maintained by the Secretary or designated individual for reference and future review.
Article VIII: Disciplinary Procedures
Section 1: Grounds for Disciplinary Action
Disciplinary action may be warranted for, but not limited to:
1.	Violation of ATAG’s Code of Conduct: Breaches of ethical standards or conduct as defined in ATAG’s Code of Conduct.
2.	Failure to Adhere to Policies: Non-compliance with ATAG's policies, including financial and membership obligations.
3.	Misconduct: Any behavior that undermines the mission, vision, or integrity of ATAG.
Section 2: Disciplinary Procedures
1.	Investigation: An investigation shall be conducted to gather facts and understand the nature of the issue.
2.	Hearing: The member in question shall be given an opportunity to present their case during a formal hearing conducted by the Disciplinary Committee.
3.	Decision: Based on the investigation and hearing, the Disciplinary Committee shall make recommendations for action, which may include warnings, suspension, or expulsion from ATAG.
4.	Appeal: Members subject to disciplinary action may appeal to the Executive
Board, whose decision shall be final.
Section 3: Confidentiality and Record-Keeping
1.	Confidentiality: All proceedings related to disciplinary actions shall be handled with the utmost confidentiality to protect the privacy of parties involved.
2.	Record-Keeping: Accurate records of all disciplinary proceedings shall be maintained by the Secretary or designated individual for reference and future review.
Article IX: Amendments
Section 1: Proposal of Amendments
Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed by the Executive Board or by a petition endorsed by at least twenty percent (20%) of the Full Members.
Section 2: Communication of Amendments
Proposed amendments shall be circulated to all members at least 30 days before the AGM to allow sufficient time for review and feedback.
Section 3: Adoption of Amendments
Proposed amendments shall be reviewed and voted upon at the AGM. A two-thirds majority of the voting members present shall be required for the adoption of any amendment.
 Article X: Dissolution
Section 1: Procedure for Dissolution
If ATAG must be dissolved due to circumstances such as the inability to fulfill its mission or financial insolvency, the Executive Board shall oversee the orderly liquidation of assets and the settlement of all outstanding liabilities.

Section 2: Distribution of Remaining Assets
Any remaining assets following the dissolution of ATAG shall be distributed to the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ghana or to a non-profit organization with similar objectives, as determined by the Executive Board.
 




This constitution is adopted this day of month: , year  by the Founding Members of the Adventist Tech Association Ghana (ATAG) as a binding document for ATAG Members and its engagements.
 

Signatories:   

Chairman of the Constitution Committee
 Technical Secretary, ATAG