The National Union of Ghanaian Students (NUGS) has formally petitioned the Electoral Commission of Ghana to establish vote transfer centres across university campuses in the country.
The Union, in a petition, signed by its President, Kyeremeh Oppong Daniel addressed to the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, Madam Jean Mensa emphasized that the move is aimed at facilitating the participation of students in the upcoming December 2024 general elections.
“I hope this message finds you well. We, the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), write to respectfully request that the Electoral Commission of Ghana establishes centres on the various University campuses for our members who are registered voters but will be unable to vote in their designated constituencies due to educational pursuits”.
President of the National Union of Ghanaian Students, Kyeremeh Oppong Daniel
The President of the National Union of Ghanaian Students further recounted that compliance with its request by the Electoral Commission would ensure that students across the various tertiary institutions in the country can exercise their constitutional right to vote without the burden of travelling back to their registered constituencies.
He highlighted the unique challenges faced by students during election periods, adding that tertiary students across the country encounter several logistical and financial hurdles in their pursuit to return to their respective hometowns to vote during general elections.
“Many of our members are currently studying in various institutions across the country, far from their hometowns. This period is particularly demanding as students are engaged in mid-semester exams and final year projects, making travel both inconvenient and financially burdensome”.
President of the National Union of Ghanaian Students, Kyeremeh Oppong Daniel
Upholding the Constitutional Rights of Citizens
Furthermore, the President of the National Union of Ghanaian Students, Kyeremeh Oppong Daniel underscored the importance of upholding the constitutional rights of citizens enshrined in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, stating that Articles 42 and 43 specifically guarantee every Ghanaian citizen aged eighteen and above the right to vote.
He, however, expressed deep concerns over the possibility that logistical constraints could hinder students from fulfilling such civic duty and responsibility.
In a direct call to the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Madam Jean Mensa, the President of the National Union of Ghanaian Students cited Article 45, which mandates that voters must vote at their registered polling stations, and Article 46, which allows the Electoral Commission to regulate vote transfers to affirmed the critical need for the Commission to grant the union’s request.
The President of the National Union of Ghanaian Students, Kyeremeh Oppong Daniel also underscored the critical need for the Electoral Commission to ensure that students can exercise their constitutional right to vote.
He emphasized that the establishment of vote transfer centres at various university campuses across the country would mitigate the challenges faced by students and prevent their disenfranchisement in the upcoming general elections
In addition, the President of the National Union of Ghanaian Students urged the Electoral Commission to implement regulations that will facilitate limited vote transfers, thus allowing students to participate in the democratic process without undue hardship.
He concluded by asserting that the request aligns with the National Union of Ghanaian Students ’s mission to advocate for the welfare and interests of Ghanaian students, promoting accessible and quality education, regardless of socio-economic or geographical barriers.
Mr Oppong Daniel also emphasized that the establishment of vote transfer centres across the various university campuses in the country would not only uphold the constitutional rights of students but also strengthen the democratic fabric of the country by ensuring inclusive participation in the electoral process.
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