Ghanaian musician and University of Ghana student, Maradona Yeboah Adjei, popularly known as Guru, has taken legal action against the University of Ghana Students’ Representative Council (UGSRC) over his disqualification from the 2024 UGSRC elections.
On August 16, 2024, the UGSRC Electoral Commission disqualified Guru from contesting in the elections, citing his non-residency status as a breach of the constitutional requirements outlined in Article 4(d)(ii) of the Constitutional Instrument (CI 24). This provision invalidates a candidate’s entire ticket if one member fails to meet eligibility criteria.
In response to his disqualification, Guru has filed a petition with the UGSRC Judicial Board, seeking an interim injunction to halt the upcoming elections scheduled for August 26, 2024. The petition calls into question the fairness and constitutionality of disqualifying non-resident students from contesting in the SRC elections, especially when the decisions made by the SRC impact the entire student body.
“I am seeking justice and fairness in this matter,” Guru said in his petition. “TAKE NOTICE that Council for and on behalf of the Plaintiff /Applicant herein praying for an order for an interim injunction to restrain the Defendant/Respondent, their agents, servants, and any persons whatsoever authorized by them from going ahead to proceed with the election pending the final determination of this suit.”
Guru’s petition argues that the UGSRC Electoral Commission’s decision was unconstitutional, asserting that the interpretation and enforcement of constitutional provisions fall under the jurisdiction of the Judicial Board, not the vetting committee. The petition further calls for a declaration that Guru is qualified to run for the position of UGSRC President and seeks an order to restrain the Electoral Commission from proceeding with the elections until the matter is resolved.
“I believe that every student, regardless of their residency status, should have the right to contest in the SRC elections,” Guru explained. “The decisions made by the SRC affect all students, and it is only fair that every student has a say in who leads them.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Candy Nana Esi Arthur
