Activities heralding the 2013 Ghana Institute of Journalism-Student Representative Council (GIJ-SRC) elections have brought up a number of interesting developments. From a person being termed 'so Christianized', to a 'Drink Up'; heated debates at General Assembly, pseudos attacking personalities and writing in defence of aspirants they support, sudden upgrade of wardrobes, and issues with whose posters get to the trees first and other related stuff.
One of these developments, which I find quite worrying, is the seemingly monetized process that should lead a student to become an executive member of the SRC to serve his or her fellow students. The GIJ-SRC constitution may be explicit on the fact that one needs to settle any financial obligation before becoming an executive of the SRC: but ‘helloo!’, a great focus on this may let us lose the actual essence of ensuring good student leadership on campus. Borrowing the words of Comrade Yajah Jagri of level 200, ‘What is morally good to some extent is legally logical. The act that led some of the current leadership… is now described as satanic.’
Comrades, students stand to lose if student leadership on GIJ campus continues to be hinged on finances or money. There may be very competent and hardworking students who could really advocate for students' general welfare, but such students may be kept far from becoming leaders by the mere fact that they may not have the financial muscle to make things happen. Haven’t we by now known the true values and ‘colours’ of the aspirants to determine that certain circumstances, perhaps, beyond their control may not just aid them to fulfil certain obligations? Let me join my Ga folks to say that “Aleee mor leebi ni abaasu kane k3 kw3 ehi3 gb3k3!”
Already, some aspirants have complained about the exorbitant prices charged for the nomination forms. Some individuals may decide to clandestinely recoup their monies after assuming office and that certainly will not be to the benefit of students.
I want to believe that the omission of Miss Grace Asare’s name in the notice issued on Tuesday, 18th March 2013 by GIJ-Electoral Commission doesn’t necessarily mean she has been disqualified since there was nothing to indicate so. The GIJ-Electoral Commission is a nobel body: it should not do anything which will make students question its credibility, especially in crucial times like this.
Students want to serve with a clean heart and not to be ‘exploited’.
Experience, Nobility, Realism and Competency should be key determining factors in Student Leadership. Monies and other material stuff ought to be secondary! It indeed, should be about honey and not money. Shalom!
Gabriel Obodai Torgbor-Ashong
Google Student Ambassador
Level 300-Ghana Institute of Journalism
Comrades, students stand to lose if student leadership on GIJ campus continues to be hinged on finances or money. There may be very competent and hardworking students who could really advocate for students' general welfare, but such students may be kept far from becoming leaders by the mere fact that they may not have the financial muscle to make things happen. Haven’t we by now known the true values and ‘colours’ of the aspirants to determine that certain circumstances, perhaps, beyond their control may not just aid them to fulfil certain obligations? Let me join my Ga folks to say that “Aleee mor leebi ni abaasu kane k3 kw3 ehi3 gb3k3!”
Already, some aspirants have complained about the exorbitant prices charged for the nomination forms. Some individuals may decide to clandestinely recoup their monies after assuming office and that certainly will not be to the benefit of students.
I want to believe that the omission of Miss Grace Asare’s name in the notice issued on Tuesday, 18th March 2013 by GIJ-Electoral Commission doesn’t necessarily mean she has been disqualified since there was nothing to indicate so. The GIJ-Electoral Commission is a nobel body: it should not do anything which will make students question its credibility, especially in crucial times like this.
Students want to serve with a clean heart and not to be ‘exploited’.
Experience, Nobility, Realism and Competency should be key determining factors in Student Leadership. Monies and other material stuff ought to be secondary! It indeed, should be about honey and not money. Shalom!
Gabriel Obodai Torgbor-Ashong
Google Student Ambassador
Level 300-Ghana Institute of Journalism
No comments:
Post a Comment