Guru has been Disqualified from University of Ghana SRC Presidential Race Due to Residency Rule

 

n a surprising turn of events, Ghanaian rapper Maradona Adjei Yeboah, popularly known as Guru, has been disqualified from the University of Ghana Students' Representative Council (UGSRC) presidential race. The decision, announced by the UGSRC Electoral Commission, cited Guru’s non-residency status as the reason for his ineligibility.

Background on the Disqualification

The UGSRC Constitution, under Article 30(1)(a), outlines specific criteria for eligibility in the SRC elections. A critical part of this qualification is the requirement for candidates to be residents of one of the university’s halls of residence (JCR). The constitution states:

“A student shall not be qualified for election to any executive office unless:

1. He is qualified to contest elections under his hall’s Constitution, except that a provision requiring a student to be in at least his third year in this University shall not disqualify such a person from contesting for any office under this article.”

This clause implies that the ability to hold an executive position within a hall of residence (JCR) is essential for contesting in the UGSRC General Election. Upon careful vetting, it was discovered that Guru, along with another aspirant, Lawrence Edinam Egleh, did not meet this residency requirement. As a result, both candidates were disqualified from the presidential race.

The vetting process for the UGSRC General Election, conducted on August 11th, 2024, was thorough and in line with articles 40 and 41 of the UGSRC Constitution. The Vetting Committee assessed various candidates across multiple positions, including Treasurer, General Secretary, and the highly contested Presidential and Vice Presidential seats.

The report from the Vetting Committee highlighted that both Guru and Lawrence Edinam Egleh were non-resident students, a fact that was verified during the vetting process. As non-residents, they did not qualify to hold an Executive Officer position within any hall of residence (JCR), thereby rendering them ineligible for the UGSRC presidency.

Guru’s disqualification has sparked conversations across campus, with many students expressing disappointment. Some argue that the residency requirement may be restrictive, particularly in an era where many students choose to live off-campus for various reasons, including personal preferences and financial constraints.

Despite the setback, the UGSRC Electoral Commission has reiterated its commitment to upholding the constitution and ensuring that the election process is transparent and fair.

As the UGSRC elections move forward without Guru in the race, the focus now shifts to the remaining candidates. The disqualification serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to constitutional provisions, even as it raises questions about the relevance of certain rules in today’s evolving educational environment.

at slymdemusicgh we give you nothing but the best.