Members of the University of Ghana Parliament House (UGPH) and several Junior Common Room (JCR) executives have called on the university’s management to review procurement processes for student-use items, describing the current system as cumbersome, inefficient, and detrimental to student welfare.
The concerns follow recent flooding cases recorded on the University of Ghana campus, which exposed what student leaders say are longstanding delays in procuring essential materials needed for maintenance and emergency response in the halls of residence.
Speaking on Parliament on Air on Radio Univers, the student leaders expressed frustration over persistent delays in the provision of resources, noting that concerns submitted through the appropriate administrative channels often receive delayed responses or no feedback at all.
One student leader argued that while procurement procedures are necessary, aspects of the process require reform to improve efficiency.
“When we go into procurement and getting things for the hall, it has some processes it goes through and that’s what delays us. As a hall, we would like to do unique things, but there are procedures one is supposed to follow. I believe the problem can be managed if one or two things are changed in our processes and procedures as a school. If management can take it up and make some changes in how procurement is done, that would be very good for us,” the student leader said.
Another JCR executive highlighted the impact of procurement delays on maintenance issues within the halls of residence, explaining that students continue to report unresolved faults months after lodging complaints.
“When it comes to maintenance and waste management, it has been a very big challenge. Students report issues in their rooms, they are directed to the tutorial office, and after months they return with the same complaints because nothing has been done. The tutorial offices also have to go through the procurement process to obtain the needed items, and we all know how bureaucratic it can be. Eventually, students blame the JCR because they feel nothing is being done,” the executive stated.
Another participant questioned whether the current procurement system was serving its intended purpose.
“We keep saying it’s bureaucracy, but what is it bringing us? Is it helping us or holding us back? If the system is affecting us negatively, then why do we continue to maintain it? If it is not working, then it should be reviewed.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Chairperson and Speaker of the UGSRC General Assembly, Nkonimadom Yeboah, argued that the issue extends beyond bureaucracy and reflects a lack of a clear and responsive institutional structure.
“I think often we blame bureaucracy. I don’t think the problem is bureaucracy because bureaucracy only explains delays in getting feedback. Here, we don’t get feedback at all. I remember reporting faulty facilities in my hall when I was in Level 200. I filled forms, signed documents, and now I’m in Level 400, yet nothing has been done. If it was simply bureaucracy, someone would at least explain the delay. This points to a lack of structure. It’s high time we asked the necessary questions and demanded answers,” he said.
He further called on residents of the various halls to actively demand accountability from university authorities instead of relying solely on student leaders.
“We always say we’ll follow up, but we don’t stay long enough to demand answers. This is not just an SRC issue. If residents themselves demand accountability, we are more likely to get the responses we need,” he added.
The calls add to growing concerns among student leaders over administrative processes they believe hinder the timely delivery of essential services and affect the overall welfare of students on campus.
–
Story by Oliver Arthur Acorlor | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
