Guru disqualified from UGSRC presidential race
Maradona Adjei Yeboah, the Ghanaian musician popularly known as Guru, has been disqualified from contesting in the University of Ghana Students’ Representative Council (UGSRC) 2024 elections.
The decision was announced following a comprehensive vetting process conducted by the UGSRC Vetting Committee on August 11, 2024.
Guru, who is known for his impact on Ghana’s music industry, was vying for the UGSRC Presidential seat, alongside his running mate, Jeffery Adu-Yeboah.
However, during the vetting process, it was revealed that Guru did not meet the necessary qualifications outlined in the UGSRC Constitution.
The committee’s findings indicated that Guru, along with another aspirant, Lawrence Edinam Egleh, were non-residents of any hall of residence at the university. This status directly conflicts with Article 30(1)(a) of the UGSRC Constitution, which mandates that candidates for executive office must qualify to be Executive Officers of their respective halls of residence.
According to the Vetting Committee, the UGSRC Constitution explicitly states that to qualify for an Executive Officer position within the UGSRC, a candidate must first qualify to hold a similar position within their hall of residence. As non-residents, neither Guru nor Egleh met this crucial qualification criterion.
This disqualification serves as a significant setback for the musician, who had hoped to transition from his successful music career to student leadership at one of Ghana’s premier universities. The vetting report underscores the importance of adhering to the constitutional requirements, as Guru’s disqualification was based on a strict interpretation of these rules.
The other Presidential and Vice-Presidential aspirants who passed the vetting process include Emmanuel Owusu Amponsah & Lawrence Edinam Egich, Emmanuel Mensah & Justice Mbawin Abugri, Nil Afotey Odai & Abigail Ohenewaa Addai, and Blessing Mantey & Martin Agbefia.
The UGSRC elections are set to take place later this year, with the remaining qualified candidates expected to intensify their campaigns. Meanwhile, Guru’s disqualification has sparked discussions among students about the strictness of the vetting process and the constitutional requirements for candidates.
