The Management of the University of Ghana has introduced a new set of photography guidelines for its congregation ceremonies, outlining where accredited photographers may operate and warning that unauthorised commercial photography equipment found in restricted areas will be confiscated by University Security.
The University said the guidelines are intended to ensure orderliness, security, and the smooth conduct of graduation ceremonies, following incidents in previous years in which confrontations arose between security personnel and some families over photography regulations.
During the 2025 congregation ceremony, tensions flared after security officers confiscated the equipment of a photographer operating within a restricted area, resulting in an altercation with family members who had engaged his services. The incident sparked discussions about the need for clearer communication of photography regulations and stricter enforcement to maintain order during graduation ceremonies.
According to the guidelines, accredited commercial photographers who have paid the prescribed fee to operate photography stands will be assigned designated photography spaces at the Samuel Kenneth Aboah Recreational Quadrangle, behind the Balme Library. They will also be identified by blue reflective vests bearing the inscription “ACCREDITED PHOTOGRAPHER.”
“Only commercial photographers who have been duly accredited by the University and have paid the prescribed fee to mount a photography stand will be permitted to provide commercial photography services during the Congregation,” the guidelines state.
“All accredited commercial photographers will be assigned designated photography stands at the Samuel Kenneth Aboah Recreational Quadrangle (behind the Balme Library). Commercial photographers will be identified with blue-coloured reflective vests embossed with the inscription ‘Accredited Photographer.’”
The University also outlined restricted areas for commercial photography, stating that photographers will not be permitted to operate within the Great Hall or its immediate surroundings. It warned that violators risk losing their accreditation and having their equipment confiscated.
“No commercial photographer shall be permitted to operate within the Great Hall or its immediate surroundings, including entrances, exits, walkways, the forecourt, and parking lots,” the guidelines state.
“Commercial photographers found operating outside the designated photography area will be directed to relocate immediately and may have their accreditation withdrawn and photography equipment confiscated by Security.”
To distinguish authorised personnel from the University’s official photography team, the University has assigned colour-coded reflective vests to different categories of photographers. Brown reflective vests bearing the inscription “PUBLIC AFFAIRS MEDIA” have been designated for the University’s in-house photographers, black reflective vests inscribed “OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER” for official external photographers, and lemon-green reflective vests bearing the inscription “OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER” for photographers assigned to capture handshake photographs of graduands.
While restricting commercial photography, the University clarified that family members and guests with valid entry passes are permitted to take photographs using personal devices.
“Family members and guests who possess valid entry passes are welcome to take photographs of their graduands using simple personal devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and compact personal cameras.”
The University, however, stressed that family members, guests, and other individuals who are not accredited photographers should refrain from using professional or commercial photography equipment within the Great Hall or its surrounding areas.
“Family members, guests or other individuals who are not accredited official or commercial photographers shall not use professional or commercial photography equipment within the Great Hall or its surrounding areas.”
It warned that any unauthorised commercial photography equipment found in restricted areas will be confiscated by University Security for the duration of the event and that the individual involved may also be removed from the venue.
“Any unauthorised commercial photography equipment found in use within restricted areas will be confiscated by University Security for the duration of the event, and the individual may be removed from the venue.”
The University encouraged graduands seeking professional graduation photographs to patronise accredited photographers stationed at the designated photography area, noting that the arrangement is intended to provide a safe, convenient, and well-organised environment for professional photography while ensuring the smooth flow of congregation activities.
—
Story by Oliver Arthur Acorlor | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Gabriel Tecco Mensah
