The Student Representative Council (SRC) elections at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Ubuntu campus have been thrown into controversy as allegations of smear campaigns and defamatory tactics have surfaced.
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What should have been a peaceful and intellectually engaging political process has been marred by misinformation and character assassination, sparking concern among students and political observers alike.
Controversial Banner Links Candidate to Nana Agradaa
In a shocking turn of events, one SRC presidential candidate has been targeted in what many are calling a deliberate and malicious smear attempt. A banner was displayed on campus, falsely portraying the candidate as being endorsed by Nana Agradaa, a controversial Ghanaian spiritualist and media figure known for her past legal issues and polarizing reputation.
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The banner, which circulated briefly online before being taken down, featured the image of the candidate alongside that of Nana Agradaa, with a message suggesting spiritual endorsement. The aim, according to many students and faculty members, appears to be to tarnish the image of the candidate and discredit their campaign.
Reactions from Students and Stakeholders
The incident has sparked outrage and division among the student body. Supporters of the affected candidate have condemned the act as immature, unethical, and damaging, calling on the SRC Electoral Commission to investigate the matter. Some student leaders are demanding stricter penalties for those behind the smear campaign.
“It’s worrying that university politics, which should be centered on ideas and leadership capabilities, has now become a stage for character attacks,” said a third-year Political Science student. “What message are we sending about the future of politics in Ghana?”
On social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok, the issue has gained traction, with hashtags such as #KNUSTUbuntuSRC, #SayNoToDirtyPolitics, and #StudentLeadershipMatters trending among students and alumni.
Student Politics and Ghana’s Future Leadership
This latest development at the Ubuntu campus has reignited a broader national debate about the nature of student politics in Ghana’s tertiary institutions. Historically, many of Ghana’s political leaders and parliamentarians got their start in university SRC elections, making student leadership a critical incubator for national governance.
Observers note that the toxic tactics seen during student elections mirror those often displayed in national political contests, including smear campaigns, propaganda, tribalism, and false endorsements.
“It’s disheartening to witness the growing use of deception and slander in student elections. Universities should be spaces of intellectual growth and ethical leadership,” remarked a political analyst and lecturer at KNUST’s main campus.
SRC Electoral Commission Responds
In response to the growing controversy, the KNUST Ubuntu SRC Electoral Commission issued a brief statement promising to launch an investigation into the unauthorized banner. The Commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and credible election and warned all aspirants and their supporters to refrain from engaging in unethical practices.
The Commission further indicated that sanctions would be imposed on any candidate found to be complicit in activities that breach the university’s electoral code of conduct.
Call for Maturity and Decorum
Amid rising tensions, campus authorities, student advocacy groups, and past student leaders are urging all aspirants and their supporters to conduct themselves with decorum and maturity. They are emphasizing the importance of focusing on policy-based campaigning, academic development, student welfare, and leadership capabilities.
Some suggest that student electoral campaigns should include ethics education, media literacy, and digital responsibility training to reduce the impact of misinformation and smear content.
As KNUST’s Ubuntu campus prepares to elect its next SRC President, the unfolding events underscore the urgent need for reform and integrity in student politics. The banner scandal involving a false association with Nana Agradaa has become a symbol of deeper issues within student elections—issues that, if left unchecked, could shape a generation of leaders accustomed to winning power through manipulation instead of merit.
All eyes are now on the Electoral Commission and campus leadership to ensure justice, fairness, and transparency. In doing so, they will not only protect the integrity of this election but also safeguard the future of leadership in Ghana.
