The Moses Adagyine Akulga EC led administration of the 2025/2026 SRC/NUGS on the 14th of March, 2026 at the Twin Auditorium of the University for Development Studies successfully conducted vetting, manifesto reading and debate for aspirants to fill in leadership position for the 2026/2027 SRC/NUGS administration.

In addressing students and aspirants before the vetting, Mr. Moses Adagyine Akulga the Electoral Commissioner for the Students’ Representative Council assured students and aspirants of the University for Development Studies that the Electoral Commission remains fully committed to conducting a free, fair, credible, and transparent electoral process. “Our foremost responsibility is to safeguard the integrity of the election and ensure that the will of the student body is clearly and accurately reflected” he said.

He further recognize that, student leadership plays a critical role in shaping the welfare, representation, and development of the university community hence,  the Commission placing measures to guarantee transparency, accountability, and equal opportunity for all candidates and voters throughout the electoral period.

Mr. Seidu Sahuud, the General Assembly Speaker and chairman of the vetting committee in his speech explained that, the exercise is conducted in accordance with the provisions and spirit of the UDS SRC Constitution, which mandates the vetting of all aspiring candidates seeking elective office within the Students ’ Representative Council. The constitutional requirement for vetting ensures that individuals who present themselves for leadership are assessed on their understanding of student governance, their preparedness for office, and their commitment to responsible and accountable leadership.

“It is our collective expectation that this process will contribute meaningfully to strengthening the democratic culture of our SRC and help identify capable and responsible individuals who are ready to serve the student body with dedication and integrity” Mr. Seidu echoed.

Vetting, manifesto reading and debate forms part of the electoral process in choosing the next crop of leaders to man the affairs of students in the university. Nominations were opened to the positions including NUGS Treasurer, NUGS Secretary, SRC Treasurer, SRC Secretary, SRC/NUGS Women Commissioner, NUGS President and SRC President. Upon opening nominations of various positions 29 aspirants showed interest and was subsequently vetting through to manifesto reading and debate from 6th to 14th March 2026.

The vetting committee included Adam Oli, Academic Committee Chairperson, Likigani Elijah Yennuloom Disciplinary committee Chairperson, Muleikatu Issah SRC/LNUGS Women’s, Commissioner, Sulemana Zoungrana Abdul-Fataw Deputy Judicial Board chairperson, Seidu Sahuud General Assembly Speaker/Chairperson of Vetting Committee, Asamane Stephen deputy E.C chairperson, Maxwell Ayinboma Atebiya  SRC PRO, and Salifu Nantogma Suale representative from the Dean of Students Affairs.

Manifesto reading and debate brought a lively atmosphere among students as aspiring leaders engaged in critical thinking and policy based debates in transforming and championing students issues in the university. The manifesto reading and debate panel featured highly profiled and distinguished individuals such as Mr. Abdul Hayi Moomen a seasoned media practitioner and Director of Public Affairs of UDS, Dr. Mahadi Awedaga Ayiwoli Partnerships Coordinator, Zipline Ghana and Mr. Sulemana Mohammed Jamaldeen a Former President and Coach UDS Debate Society.

The event which was graced by students added significance to the process as it afforded students the opportunity to participate and scrutinize aspirants on their performance and policies if elected. The SRC according to some students has proven that indeed the election will be free and fair.

Story By: 
Hamdan W. Amadu
UDS Media