In an unexpected move, the management of the university of Ghana has announced a ban on canopies and party gatherings on campus during the upcoming 2025 congregation.
The decision, communicated to the University community on February 10, 2025, aims to enhance crowd management and security, given the expected arrival of about 16,000 graduands and their guests.
The news has sparked mixed reactions among graduands, with some welcoming the initiative as a necessary measure to minimize congestion and traffic on campus.
“I am very happy about it because during graduation, campus is very congested. There’s barely any space to move around.”
“I’m only concerned about the photographers who may need to mount their set ups. Because we have to take pictures on campus.”
A significant number of students however opposed the ban, citing tradition and the importance of celebrating years of hardwork.
” Traditionally we always celebrate and party during graduation. At the University of Ghana, we do it corporately unlike at other schools. So I think the parties can be allowed without canopies in order to save space, because some of us deserve to party. ”
Many have also cited dissapointment at the timing of the announcement which they believe is too late. They argued that the information should have been relayed two or three weeks ago and not merely a day before graduation, to enable graduands plan accordingly.
As the congregation approaches, it remains to be seen how the university management will respond to the concerns and criticisms of the graduands.
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Story by : Sophia Atswei Okang | univers.ug.edu.gh
