Musician Guru Disqualified from UG SRC Elections Due to Constitutional Violation

Renowned Ghanaian musician Maradona Adjei Yeboah, famously known as ‘Guru,’ has been disqualified from contesting in the upcoming 2024 University of Ghana Students Representative Council (UGSRC) elections.

This decision was announced by the UGSRC Vetting Committee on August 16, 2024, following a thorough vetting process conducted on August 11.

The committee’s decision to disqualify Guru stems from a violation of Article 30(1)(a) of the UGSRC constitution, which outlines the eligibility criteria for candidates seeking executive office.

According to the constitution, a candidate must meet specific residential requirements to be eligible for election. Unfortunately, Guru’s non-residential status rendered him ineligible under these guidelines.

The disqualification of Guru, a prominent figure in Ghana’s music industry, has sparked widespread discussion among the student body and beyond.

Many had viewed his candidacy as a potential game-changer in the UGSRC elections, given his influence and popularity.

However, the Vetting Committee emphasized that all candidates must strictly adhere to the constitutional requirements to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.

In addition to Guru, Lawrence Edinam Egleh, a Vice-Presidential aspirant, was also disqualified for the same reason.

The committee’s statement clarified that both individuals did not meet the necessary residential criteria outlined in the constitution, making them ineligible to contest for any executive position within the UGSRC.

The committee further noted that Article 30(1)(a) stipulates that a student shall not be qualified for election to any executive office unless they are qualified to contest elections under their hall’s constitution.

The provision further excludes any disqualification based on a student’s year of study, ensuring that students in their first or second year can still contest if they meet all other criteria.

The disqualification of these two candidates underscores the importance of understanding and adhering to the UGSRC constitution’s provisions. As the elections draw closer, the Vetting Committee’s role in maintaining the integrity of the process remains paramount.