BY Daniel Bampoe
Esaaba Esi Eunice Essien has been elected President of the Ghana Union of Professional Students (GUPS), often referred to as GNUPS, following the successful conduct of the Union’s 23rd Annual Delegate Emergency Congress.
The emergency meeting became necessary after disputes and procedural difficulties emerged during the 23rd Annual Residential Delegates Congress, first held at Knutsford University College and subsequently at the Hilla Limann Hall of the University of Ghana, raising concerns about the continuity of leadership and constitutional order within the Union.
Acting in accordance with Chapter 6, Article 36 of the GUPS Constitution, the GUPS Electoral Commission organised the Emergency Delegates Congress to safeguard the Union’s democratic processes.
At the conclusion of voting, a total of 128 valid votes were cast at the congress, underscoring broad participation by accredited delegates despite the earlier setbacks.
In the presidential race, Esaaba Esi Eunice Essien secured an overwhelming mandate with 126 valid votes, while the other contenders, Kabiri An-Ichie Michael and Kwaku Boakye Appiah, each received one vote after withdrawing from the contest.
The elections also produced a full slate of national executives. Amelordzi Elsie Fafa was endorsed as General Secretary with 100 “Yes” votes against three “No” votes, while Samuel Otoo was approved as Treasurer with 97 “Yes” votes and one “No” vote.
Desmond Opankah Duodu Larbi emerged as Coordinating Secretary with 98 votes, and Sherritta Adu Agyei won the position of Women’s Commissioner with 102 votes, defeating Janet Naa Asheley Armaah-Bekoe who polled three votes.
Other results saw Iddi Abdul-Latif elected Press and Information Secretary with 94 “Yes” votes against five “No” votes, Waris Maharaja elected Projects and Programs Coordinator with 113 votes, and Aryeeson Cyril Courage confirmed as Financial Controller with 94 “Yes” votes and two “No” votes.
Stephen Duodu Dapaah was elected International Relations Secretary with 105 votes, while all opposing candidates in these contests formally withdrew.
The results were signed and certified by the Chairperson of the GUPS Electoral Commission, Samir Osuman.
Following the announcement, several Student Representative Councils (SRCs) and tertiary institutions across the country issued congratulatory messages to the newly elected leadership.
In her acceptance remarks, President-Elect Esaaba Esi Eunice Essien thanked members of the General Assembly for ensuring the elections were held despite the significant challenges that preceded the congress.
She commended the GUPS Electoral Commission for what she described as firmness, integrity and courage in discharging its constitutional mandate.
She also acknowledged the role of GUPS alumni for taking principled steps to protect the Union’s constitution and democratic traditions.
