Ghanaian musician Guru (Maradona Yeboah Adjei) has filed a legal challenge against his disqualification from the 2024 University of Ghana Students’ Representative Council (UGSRC) elections.
On August 16, 2024, the UGSRC Electoral Commission disqualified Guru, citing his non-residency as a violation of the eligibility requirements under Article 4(d)(ii) of the Constitutional Instrument (CI 24), which invalidates a candidate’s ticket if any member fails to meet the criteria.
In response, Guru has petitioned the UGSRC Judicial Board, requesting an interim injunction to block the upcoming elections scheduled for August 26, 2024. His petition questions the fairness and constitutionality of barring non-resident students from running in the elections, especially given the impact the SRC’s decisions have on the entire student body.
The petition reads, “TAKE NOTICE that Council for and on behalf of the Plaintiff /Applicant herein praying for an order for 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 legal challenge argues that the Electoral Commission’s disqualification decision was unconstitutional, emphasizing that the Judicial Board, not the vetting committee, has the authority to interpret and enforce constitutional provisions. The petition also seeks a declaration that Guru is qualified to run for UGSRC President and demands that the Electoral Commission be barred from proceeding with the election until the matter is resolved.
