The Judicial Council of the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG) has annulled the recently ended GRASAG national elections, citing significant electoral irregularities and constitutional violations.
The elections, held on March 5, 2025, at Ensign Global University, were marred by allegations of interference, disenfranchisement, and security intimidation.
The Council’s ruling follows multiple petitions filed by candidates and student leaders, including Alhaji Yussif Baba Suleman, Isaac Kabutey Asilivi, Virginis Yayrator Nuwoati, Sebastian Mbugri Akudugu, and Albert Owusu Buadu.
The GRASAG University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) Local President also submitted a petition highlighting issues of electoral malpractice and voter suppression.
After reviewing video evidence, consulting institutional heads, and interviewing stakeholders, the three-member panel, chaired by Acting Chief Justice Sumaila Hussein Shaibu, found the following major breaches:
Participation of a Non-Member Institution: The Ghana Institute of Surveyors, an unrecognized institution, was permitted to vote.
Interference by Armed National Security Operatives: National security personnel unlawfully took control of the electoral process, sidelining the Electoral Commission.
Presence of Armed Military Personnel: Military officers were deployed to the election venue, creating an environment of intimidation.
Restricted Access to Voting Venue: Armed operatives controlled entry points, preventing some delegates from voting.
Unlawful Disenfranchisement of Institutions: Several institutions, including UMaT, Institute of Local Government Studies, University of Health and Allied Sciences, and the host institution, Ensign Global University, were arbitrarily barred from voting.
Absence of a Voter Register and Verification: The elections were conducted without a verifiable voter register, undermining transparency.
Involvement of Security Operatives: Named individuals, including Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) Yakubu and Bernard Dartey (alias Kawawa), were implicated in obstructing the election.
Physical Assault of Students: Security personnel allegedly assaulted students, violating Article 15(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees human dignity and protection from inhumane treatment. Judicial Council’s Ruling and Directives.
Based on its findings, the Judicial Council ruled that the elections were fundamentally flawed and in violation of the GRASAG Constitution and Executive Elections Regulation G – C.I 247.
The Council has therefore declared the elections null and void and has directed the Electoral Commission to conduct a fresh election within three (3) weeks.
Petitioners have demanded a full-scale independent investigation into the involvement of national security operatives, disciplinary action against those responsible for the disenfranchisement, and legal measures against security personnel involved in student assaults.
There is also a call for the prevention of security interference in future student elections.
The GRASAG Electoral Commission is now tasked with ensuring that the re-run election adheres strictly to democratic principles and constitutional guidelines.
-Classfmonline
