Legislative deliberations within the University of Ghana Students’ Representative Council (UGSRC) General Assembly meeting ended in controversy with members staging a walkout after the Executive Council withdrew a proposal for the formation of an Interim Management Committee (IMC) for the newly established Diamond Jubilee Hall.
The meeting, which commenced on Sunday, February 9, at 9 p.m. and continued into the early hours of Monday, February 10, saw intense debate among representatives. However, the deliberations were abruptly halted when UGSRC Vice President Jeffrey Adu-Yeboah announced the Executive Council’s decision to withdraw the proposal.
The Speaker of the General Assembly, Rt Hon. Kelvin Yeboahthen read a letter from the UGSRC President, confirming the Executive Council’s decision to withdraw the proposal. The announcement was met with mixed reactions, as a few members approved the decision, while others vehemently objected.
General Assembly representative for the School of Engineering, Abubakar Sadiq Yusuf, expressed disappointment over how the proposal was withdrawn.
“The reason why the General Assembly has been made the highest decision-making body is to ensure that there is representation from all aspects of the university, all departments of the university. We are not allowed to give input just because the Executive Council seeks to withdraw. It was not fair.”
Head of the External Affairs Committee, Prince Appiah Dankwah, offered a different perspective, stating that the proposal was initially drafted with the best interests of students in mind. However, conflicts arose during deliberations, leading to the Executive Council’s decision to suspend and withdraw the proposal entirely.
“The proposal was meant to serve students, but the level of disagreement in the house made it clear that we needed to reconsider our approach,” he stated.
The withdrawal of the proposal has left key questions unanswered, and some members of the General Assembly have vowed to revisit the matter. They have assured students that they will thoroughly assess the situation to ensure the right course of action is taken regarding the governance of Diamond Jubilee Hall.
The GHC 55 million Diamond Jubilee Hall features 448 fully furnished rooms, consisting of 264 double-occupancy rooms and 184 four-person rooms. Each room is equipped with study desks, comfortable bedding, ceiling fans for ventilation, and shared washrooms.
The facility also offers kitchens, reading rooms, and TV lounges, providing an ideal environment for both academic pursuits and relaxation.
In addition to these living spaces, the hostel includes a range of essential amenities, such as a maintenance unit, a spacious laundry bay, JCR tutorial and executive offices to support student leadership, and eateries and shops to improve convenience and enhance student life on campus.
Story by: Karenhappuch Efua Eyison | univers.ug.edu.gh
