The University of Ghana’s 2024 Students Representative Council (UGSRC) elections have taken an unexpected turn with the disqualification of two high-profile candidates—musician Maradona Adjei Yeboah, popularly known as Guru, and Vice-Presidential aspirant Lawrence Edinam Egleh.
The Vetting Committee, responsible for ensuring that all candidates meet the necessary eligibility criteria, announced their disqualification on August 16, following a vetting session held on August 11.
The committee’s decision to disqualify both candidates was based on a violation of Article 30(1)(a) of the UGSRC constitution.
This article explicitly requires that candidates meet specific residential criteria to qualify for executive positions within the SRC. Unfortunately, Guru and Edinam Egleh were both found to be non-residential students, which disqualified them from the electoral race.
The disqualification of Guru, a well-known figure in the Ghanaian entertainment industry, has garnered significant attention both on and off-campus. Many students had anticipated his involvement in the elections, seeing it as an opportunity for a fresh perspective within the UGSRC. However, the Vetting Committee’s decision highlights the importance of adhering to the established rules and regulations, regardless of a candidate’s external achievements or popularity.
In their official statement, the Vetting Committee reiterated the constitutional requirements that led to the disqualification. Article 30(1)(a) states that a student must be qualified under their hall’s constitution to contest for any executive office. This clause ensures that candidates have a genuine connection to the university’s residential community, which is considered crucial for effectively representing the student body.
The disqualification of both Guru and Edinam Egleh has prompted discussions among students and other stakeholders about the importance of the constitutional provisions in maintaining the integrity of the UGSRC elections. While some have expressed disappointment over the exclusion of such prominent candidates, others have commended the committee for upholding the rules without bias.
As the election process continues, the Vetting Committee’s decision serves as a reminder to all candidates to thoroughly understand and comply with the UGSRC constitution’s provisions.
The committee remains committed to ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process that accurately reflects the will of the student body.
