The integrity of the 2024 University of Ghana Students’ Representative Council (UGSRC) elections has come under scrutiny due to alleged interference by the Dean of Student Affairs.

In a formal letter dated August 2, the UGSRC Electoral Commission expressed its concerns to the Dean of Student Affairs regarding administrative decisions that contradict established protocols and security advisories.

Originally, the vetting of candidates was set for July 30, 2024, but it was postponed to August 11, 2024, based on security concerns from Vice Dean of Students Dr. Charles Wiafe Akenten, following advice from the Ghana Police Service and University Security.

Contrary to this, the Dean of Student Affairs later ordered that the vetting be conducted within 24 hours of an August 1 meeting, ignoring the prior security recommendations.

Mudasir Braimah, Public Relations Officer of the Electoral Commission, outlined several issues in a statement:

The abrupt change in schedule caused conflicts, as committee members had planned for the August 11 date, making it difficult for some to attend the newly scheduled vetting.The Dean allegedly dismissed suggestions from the Electoral Commission, prioritizing the views of the aspirants during follow-up meetings.There is growing concern that the Dean’s actions indicate a vested interest in certain candidates, potentially undermining the integrity of the vetting process.

In a July 24, 2024, meeting, the Dean reportedly suggested bypassing certain articles of the SRC Constitution, a notion the UGSRC EC firmly rejected, emphasizing the importance of following all legal processes.

The Electoral Commission stressed that such interference is unacceptable and that the Dean’s office should remain neutral and avoid involvement in student politics.

The Commission concluded its letter by stating its determination not to support what it perceives as an undermining of lawful processes under the pretense of addressing non-existent issues, thereby betraying its mandate.

BackgroundThe UGSRC Electoral Commission had initially set a roadmap for the 2024 elections, with vetting scheduled for July 26, 2024, and results expected by July 29. However, unforeseen financial constraints led to delays.

The vetting was first rescheduled to July 30, 2024, and then to August 11, 2024, due to the unavailability of the Legon Police. Subsequently, the Dean of Student Affairs instructed the Commission on August 1, 2024, to proceed with vetting on August 2 at 10 a.m.

The Commission formed a vetting committee and informed the student body, but the vetting did not take place as planned since committee members were only prepared for the August 11 date based on the Legon Police's recommendation.

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