In an interesting turn of events, the University of Ghana Student Representative Council (UGSRC) Electoral Commission (EC) has accused the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs of interference in te electoral process due to personal political interests.
This accusation was made explicit in a letter released by the EC on 2nd August, 2024.
In the letter, the EC made references to prior issues raised upon the scheduling of the vetting process, stating that postponments were made for security reasons and hence suggestions were made by the Vice Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Charles Wiafe Akenten to reschedule to a later date on 11th August. The EC explained that whilst arrangements were made in accordance with the suggested reschedule, the Dean herself, Rosina Kyerematen, prompted the commission to arrange for a vetting procedure on 2nd August, which was just a day after the decision was made.
According to the EC, the new date posed scheduling conflicts for members of the vetting panel, with less than half of the members being present for the new vetting date.
The absence of most of the vetting panel posed an issue for a proper vetting procedure, hence the Dean convening the SRC aspirants to be vetted and concluding with a new vetting date, 3rd August and a new arrangement to be made for them.
In light of the issue, the EC accused the Dean of disregarding the commission’s perspectives on the vetting procedure, further dismissing constitutional requirements in the electoral procedure. The commission also accused the Dean for imposing personal interests in the elections, citing actions that allege preferential interests in certain candidates.
The EC had hence requested impartiality from the Dean on her interference in students politics. The Dean was rebuked for her alleged actions that intend at manipulating and controlling the electoral process.
Find the full letter from the EC below.
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Story by: Deborah Yakohene | univers.ug.edu.gh
