On Sunday, October 22, 2023, a tumultuous incident occurred during the General Assembly Elections at the University of Ghana (UG).
A video circulating on social media captured the scene where a brawl erupted among some University of Ghana students during the election.
The video depicted the chaotic situation, with certain students resorting to seizing the ballot box at Mensah Sarbah Hall, the designated location for the election.
The disruptive behavior of these students extended beyond ballot box seizure and included violent actions, such as physical assaults on individuals and the vandalism of tables and chairs used for the event. These actions ultimately led to the suspension of the election by the Electoral Commission (EC).
A statement from the EC expressed concerns about the role played by the SRC general secretary in inciting the chaos. According to the statement, the independence of the EC came under threat when the general secretary attempted to encroach upon the constitutional powers and responsibilities of the EC in conducting elections.
“The General Secretary’s unconstitutional attempt to usurp the powers of the Electoral Commission caused tremendous tension in the House, and this is what has led the Commission to call off the election in the interest of peace, order, and tranquillity,” the EC said in its statement without specific details regarding the actions of the general secretary.