November 13, 2019
In 2004, when Ashesi’s pioneering class decided to elect the first-ever student government, few could probably have imagined the far-reaching impact the Student Council will have at Ashesi.
Over the years the student government has been an invaluable asset to the larger Ashesi community; from helping to institute the honor code, to setting up a student cafeteria to instituting an awards ceremony among other milestones.
The conversation of student government is, however, incomplete without elections and the electoral process. Not dissimilar to any elections season, elections on campus always creates quite the buzz on campus.
With two teams each vying for the JEC and ASC seats, the 2019 Elections season at Ashesi is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent Ashesi history.
1. Elections 2019 — Timeline
On October 1, the Judicial and Electoral Council, the judicial arm of the Student government, officially launched the 2019 Elections season, inviting qualified candidates to submit applications for heads of the Student Council and Judicial and Electoral Council.
Only second and third-year students are eligible to stand for student offices.
Eligible candidates are also expected to meet a minimum grade point average requirement.
2. Public Vetting
Over a three-day period, nominated candidates went through public vetting, where members of the community had the opportunity to engage with them and also get a sense of why they chose to run for student leadership.
Headed by the Parliamentary wing of the Student Council, the vetting process is more or less, the filtration process for eligible candidates.
“Publicly vetting the candidates helps make the electoral process as transparent as possible,” shared Adobea Dampare Addo, Judicial and Electoral Chairperson. “It helps members of the community have a sense of the process, and helps them appreciate it better.”
3. Meet the Candidates
Kizzita Mensah-Fawzy — JEC Vice Presidential Candidate
I am a third-year student, studying MIS and aspiring to impact Africa and the world! Watch me! I love watching nature and discovering new things. I love adventure and ambition. I am poised to make Ashesi adventurous, a living dream and to keep Ashesi duly established in the culture of scholarship, leadership, and citizenship.
Elikem Asamoah, ASC Vice Presidential Candidate
I am 20 years old and currently in my junior year studying business administration. I am genuinely interested in meeting and interacting with new people, disc jockey (DJ) and financial trading. I believe I am fit for this position because of my outgoing nature and my innate desire to serve the school and make it a better place than it already is.
Michael Dankwah Agyeman-Prempeh, JEC Chairperson Candidate
I am currently a Junior offering Computer Engineering. I enjoy sports (badminton, volleyball, table tennis, soccer, and athletics), designing (UX/UI), music and helping people. An interesting fact about me is that I am a twin! Pertaining to experience, after serving as one of the JEC Class representatives of 2021 in freshman year, alongside my vice, I realized that social/academic respect and citizenship were concepts that needed attention. This being said, I believe my experience, interests, and skills places me as an eligible candidate for the position of JEC Chairperson.
Jean Ewurama Roberts, ASC Presidential Candidate
Jean’s interests include providing help and opportunities to the less privileged, developing mathematical models for systems and reading.
“Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless.”
We believe in helping to make Ashesi a more inclusive society where people feel like they belong. At the end of their Ashesi experience, almost every student should be proud to call Ashesi home. We would like to partner with both the student body and the administration to ensure that people do not feel marginalized or left out, but that everyone has a voice and hence can SMILE!
Edem Yegbe, ASC Presidential Candidate
I’m currently a junior at Ashesi University studying Management in Information Systems (MIS).
I’m very interested in business, technology, finance, and sports. I believe that our generation has the potential to transform Africa for the better. I believe I’m the best fit for this job because of my drive to make Ashesi a better place and my willingness to serve the community.
Mary Lassey, J.E.C Vice-Chairperson
I enjoy traveling, working with others and playing chess.
The constitution and code of conduct in the student book have well been enforced since Ashesi’s inspection and I personally applaud prior JEC’s for their immense efforts. Nevertheless, having served on the JEC for two consecutive years, I have identified requisite areas regarding checks and balances and aspects of the code of conduct that need to be addressed. Weaving passion, excellence and novelty into governance, I unwaveringly believe my skills, experience, and interests are legitimate rudiments needed to succeed in this role as the Vice-Chairperson of the JEC.
Tamisha Segbefia, ASC Vice-Presidential Candidate
My interests include programming, technology for social impact (e.g., virtual reality & education) and creative writing.
“Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless.”We believe in helping to make Ashesi a more inclusive society where people feel like they belong. At the end of their Ashesi experience, almost every student should be proud to call Ashesi home. We would like to partner with both the student body and the administration to ensure that people do not feel marginalized or left out, but that everyone has a voice and hence can SMILE!
Samuelle Asante, J.E.C Chairperson Candidate
I’m smart, simple and reserved. I like to assess a situation from behind before tackling it. I am caring, kind and selfless.
I love to read. I draw and paint in my free time. I love gourmet food.
I am the best person for the position because I support Ashesi’s goal of creating ethical leaders. To be able to achieve this, we (you and I) have to work together to ensure that this goal is achieved. By choosing me as the JEC Chairperson, you and I would write history to ensure that Ashesi makes the difference in Africa and the world.
Now, the teams!
Elections at Ashesi is primarily a community affair, starting from the teams. Starting from the public vetting, candidates vie for the ASC and JEC positions working as a pair.
Presidential Debate
Probably one of the most exciting points of the season, this year’s debate was as fun and engaging as ever. Pitted against one another, members of the running teams shared their manifestos and responded to student questions and queries.
The debate also officially opened the campaign season, turning the campus into a political hotbed.
Campaign Season
Probably the most hyped part of elections season, the campaign period definitely raises the pulse on campus. From wild posters to campaign videos, paraphernalia and lobbying on all levels, teamwork hard at convincing people to join their mandate.
Here’s a look at some of our favorite posters from this year:
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